A Des Moines woman who rode RAGBRAI is embarking on a new journey as she recovers from her recent double-lung transplant surgery.
Barb Heenan, 53, biked the multi-day ride with family and friends to raise awareness for the disease she has been living with for nearly 30 years. Heenan was 22 years old when she was first diagnosed with limited systemic scleroderma.
Her body changed drastically as the rare autoimmune disease affected her blood vessels, then later her digestive system and internal organs.
Participating in the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa was a bucket list item for Heenan, who signed up for her first one in 2017. She returned again and again, her circle of support growing each time.