Pedal to the Mettle
How One Man Turned a Charity Bike Race into a Personal Crusade
As the sun set over the majestic Palo Duro Canyon in West Texas, one man’s race was just beginning. Sitting astride his mountain bike like a noble steed, Godwin Dixon rode throughout the night, completing one lap after another. As the morning sun peaked over Lighthouse Rock, he grew stronger with each mile of the annual 24 Hours in the Canyon bike race, a grueling yet inspiring charity event designed to raise funds for the BSA Harrington Cancer Center in Amarillo.
In a world that often feels heavy with the weight of adversity, stories of personal resilience and altruism remind us of the power and dignity of the human spirit.
This year, one such story emerged from the winding trails of Palo Duro Canyon State Park as Godwin Dixon not only pedaled his way to victory but also set a new benchmark in fundraising. Driven by both personal loss and a profound desire to help others, Godwin completed an astonishing 127.5 miles in less than 24 hours, doing so with a broken rib he suffered mere months before the race.
His extraordinary achievement on the bike was only outshone by the monumental impact he made off the track as he raised an impressive $50,150 for the Harrington Cancer Survivorship Center. This achievement broke the organization’s previous fundraising record, demonstrating a stirring blend of what Dixon calls “old man toughness” and a heartfelt commitment to his community.
The Harrington Cancer Survivorship Center, a beacon of hope for the Texas Panhandle, offers invaluable services and programs designed to support individuals affected by cancer. From wellness classes and counseling to therapy sessions and free PSA screenings, the center provides a holistic approach to healing. More than that, it creates a community where laughter and joy can flourish through various activities tailored specifically for cancer survivors. Godwin’s efforts directly support this mission, ensuring that those who have battled or continue to battle cancer can enjoy this lifeline of services.
Godwin’s journey into the world of philanthropy is deeply rooted in his life experiences. Having lost both parents to cancer, he understands the pain and challenges that accompany the disease. Their struggles imbued him with a sense of purpose to serve others facing similar battles and became the catalyst for what would become his 37-year career in senior care.
Godwin served as the CEO of Dallas’ Presbyterian Communities and Services for 17 years, facilitating the creation of Faith Presbyterian Hospice and the T. Boone Pickens Hospice. Prior to that, Dallas was the largest city in America without a hospice center for seniors.
“I couldn’t undo the fact that (my mother) didn’t get what she needed, so I was going to make sure no one else’s mom went through that,” Godwin shared.
In 2020, Godwin partnered with Teresa Whittington and opened a personalized community for assisted living and memory care. Known as Teresa’s House, this neighborhood model now has two locations, one is McKinney and the other in Argyle. Both locations have received numerous awards, including being named Best of Denton County several years running.
Godwin has even developed a program to provide free vehicles for his employees and encourages others to contribute older yet reliable means of transportation for his staff, many of whom donate their time to helping others.
With decades of philanthropy under his belt, the idea of combining his lifelong love for cycling with a purpose larger than himself emerged quite naturally to Godwin when he learned about the charity race and the Harrington Cancer Survivorship Center. With the support of friends, family, and local businesses, Godwin set out to not only compete individually but to rally others behind a mutual cause that resonated deeply with others.
What started out as four friends eventually turned into a co-ed team called, “Worst Pace Scenario,” an ironic moniker that failed to overshadow the team’s record-setting fundraising achievement.
Godwin’s victory was not merely a personal triumph, but rather a collective effort. The funds raised will significantly bolster the center’s continued mission,
allowing it to expand its reach and enhance its programs.
Godwin’s story reminds us all that adversity does indeed build character, and that often, the hardest times in our lives can bring out the very best in ourselves.
As Godwin put it, “When you dig deep and push yourself well past what you thought was possible, it’s incredible.”
