Every year, 15,000 American children are diagnosed with cancer and roughly one-quarter of them do not survive the disease. In an effort to beat childhood cancer, more than 48,000 cyclists from all 50 states will come together during the month of June as part of the fourth Great Cycle Challenge USA benefiting Children's Cancer Research Fund. And, on June 2, Great Cycle Challenge USA participants will make a symbolic journey by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge.
"The ride across the Golden Gate Bridge symbolizes that, for far too many children, there is a wide chasm between a cancer diagnosis and a cure. By riding in the Great Cycle Challenge USA, we hope to close the gap by investing in groundbreaking research that Ieads to better treatments and cures for children with cancer," said Jim Leighton, Vice President of Events and Partnerships, Children's Cancer Research Fund.
Founded in 2015, Great Cycle Challenge USA has quickly grown to become one of the biggest cycling events in the country. Over the past three years, more than 76,000 riders from 50 states have ridden 7.5 million miles while raising $9 million in support of childhood cancer research. This year's goal is for 48,000 riders to raise $5.5 million.
Proceeds from Great Cycle Challenge USA have helped jumpstart and advance research at some of the nation's top childhood cancer research centers. CCRF has funded research at the University of California-San Francisco; Baylor College of Medicine; Children's Hospital of Atlanta - Egleston; Children's Hospital of Los Angeles; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston; Johns Hopkins University; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota; and others.
As part of the Great Cycle Challenge USA, riders set personal mileage goals and connect with their friends, families and peers for fundraising, which is done through the Great Cycle Challenge USA website. Participants can accumulate mileage on any type of bike, indoors or out, as they improve their health while having fun as they ride solo or with friends to work, on weekends, near home or out on the open road. Registrations for this year's challenge are still being accepted. Visit greatcyclechallenge.com to register, to make a donation or to learn more.