Hey D!
I wish I could do this ride - but my fitness level is, well, in the toilet still. I'd never survive. I'm working on it though, so next year for sure.
It sounds like your friend has a good attitude, I truly believe that is over half the battle. A positive cancer story, my cousin also had advanced breast cancer, in her bones etc. She was given 6 months to live -- that was close to 3 years ago.