Cycle for Survival

Cycle for Survival is a nationwide (US) movement to beat rare cancers, owned and operated by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK).[1] Since its inception in 2007, Cycle for Survival—with support from its founding partner Equinox Fitness—has raised more than $208 million as of 2019.[2][3] Cycle for Survival directly allocates 100% of all donations to rare cancer research led by MSK within six months of the events.[1]

History

Cycle for Survival was founded by Jennifer Goodman Linn and her husband, David Linn.[1] In 2004, Jen was diagnosed with MFH sarcoma, a rare cancer, and began treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK).[1][4] After her cancer went into remission, she and Dave wanted to fight back and support the doctors and researchers at MSK.[4]

In 2007, they held the first-ever event, originally named "Spin4Survival", in Equinox Columbus Circle to raise money for rare cancer research. Despite Jen's cancer returning, they held two successful events and in 2009, MSK became the owner and operator and Equinox became the founding partner of what it is known today as Cycle for Survival.[4] Jen lost her battle to cancer in 2011 at the age of 40.[1] After her passing, MSK dedicated a lab to recognize her critical role in the advancement of rare cancer research, named "The Jennifer Goodman Linn Laboratory of New Drug Development in Sarcoma and Rare Cancers".[3]

At the heart of the movement is a series of indoor team cycling events that take place across the country.[5]

Events

Cycle for Survival's signature events are indoor team cycling rides that take place across the country, primarily at Equinox clubs. Cancer survivors, patients, caregivers, Memorial Sloan Kettering doctors, researchers and their supporters ride together on stationary bikes to fundraise for rare cancer research.[3] Equinox cycling instructors lead all rides.[6] In 2018, more than 34,000 people participated in Cycle for Survival events that were held in 16 cities in the United States.[6] That same year, over $39 million was raised and directly allocated to rare cancer research at MSK.[7][6]

Cycle for Survival held Times Square Takeover from 2013 - 2017 to kick off event registration each September.[8]

Partnerships

Corporate sponsors help the events continue to grow and gain further support.[1] Equinox, the founding partner of Cycle for Survival, dedicates significant time and resources to help raise awareness and funding.[6] Additional sponsors of Cycle for Survival include official apparel sponsor, New Balance; official hydration sponsor, Smartwater; and official timepiece and timekeeper, TAG Heuer.[1][9]

Impact on rare cancers

The National Institute of Health defines a "rare cancer" as one with fewer than 200,000 affected individuals within the United States.[10] Approximately 50% of people with cancer are battling a cancer that is considered "rare".[1] Rare cancers include brain, ovarian, pediatric and pancreatic cancers, lymphoma and leukemia, and many other types of cancers.

All donations gained through Cycle for Survival fund promising research and clinical trials at Memorial Sloan Kettering.[1]

Reception and awards

Cycle for Survival has been featured in a variety of local and national broadcast, digital, and print coverage including: CNN, Refinery29, Shape magazine, USA Today, ABC News, Good Morning America, Fast Company, and New York Post.[11]

In 2018, Cycle for Survival was named P2P Forum's Program of the Year during their annual conference held in Miami, Florida.[12] It was also recognized as the fastest-growing peer-to-peer fundraising program from 2014 to 2016.[12][13][6]

References
  1. Carter, Aliko. "Rare Cancer Charity Cycle For Survival Nears $100 Million Milestone". Forbes. Retrieved 2018-10-11.
  2. "How MSK is Outsmarting Treatment Resistance in Sarcomas". Giving to Memorial Sloan Kettering. Retrieved 2018-10-11.
  3. Kelly, Laura (March 6, 2018). "'Cycle for Survival' bikes for rare cancer research". The Washington Times. Retrieved 2018-10-11.
  4. "Jennifer Goodman Linn's Legacy of Hope, Love, and Fearless Living". EverydayHealth.com. Retrieved 2018-10-11.
  5. "2015 Events". CycleforSurvival.org. Archived from the original on 2014-12-16. Retrieved 2014-12-16.
  6. "Welde, Cycle for Survival Hit the Bikes at Equinox". www.greenwichsentinel.com. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
  7. "How MSK is Outsmarting Treatment Resistance in Sarcomas". Giving to Memorial Sloan Kettering. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
  8. "Cycle For Survival Is Taking Over Times Square". Haute Living. 2017-09-21. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
  9. Survival, Cycle for. "New Balance Launches Exclusive Cycle For Survival WX09 NBCycle Shoe To Support Rare Cancer Research". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
  10. "NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms". National Cancer Institute. Retrieved 2018-10-15.
  11. "News". Cycle for Survival. 2017-02-09. Retrieved 2018-10-17.
  12. "Cycle for Survival Sets New Template for Successful P2P Fundraising - Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum". Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum. 2018-02-12. Retrieved 2018-10-17.
  13. Survival, Cycle for. "Cycle for Survival Launches Its 2018 Battle To Beat Rare Cancers". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2018-10-17.
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