NC State Joins the Fight Against Rare Cancers

On Saturday February 4, NC State will join Cycle for Survival in their mission to change the current reality of underfunded cancer research.  Although rare cancers account for almost half of all cancer diagnoses, the research for these diseases lacks sufficient funds. Cycle for Survival strives to change this through their nationwide effort to raise money for the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

With their “every dollar fights back” approach, 100 percent of all fundraisings are allocated to pioneering research and clinical trials within six months of the event, significantly reducing the time it takes patients to receive treatment. Since their establishment in 2007, Cycle for Survival has raised over $116 million through their nationwide cycling fundraisers.

This Saturday marks NC State’s fourth year hosting a satellite fundraiser for the cause. Co-coordinators Christine Amendola and Chloe Shevlin are confident that this year’s donations will surpass the current record for the largest amount of fundraisings yet. According to Shevlin, third-time participant and first-time coordinator, this year’s event has already raised more money than any previous year and is well on it’s way to reach the goal of $5,000.

The fundraiser will take place in Studio B/C of the Carmichael Recreation Center from 10:00a.m.-12:00p.m. Becky Langton, a certified Schwinn Cycling instructor, will lead the group through 90 minutes of playlists and routines, coordinated to match the three themes of Empower, PackInAction and Resilience, while cyclists enjoy a visual presentation of photos, music and inspirational quotes.  

“Most people are doing it for someone, or they have a parent or a friend who has been affected by rare cancer” says Amendola. She believes that the close atmosphere of these fundraisers are unique because they bring together individuals with varying stories and reasons for participating, but who are all fighting for the same cause. “When you have a small group of people there for the same purpose, the energy is unbeatable”.

Despite the national recognition of the organization, Cycle for Survival brings people together on a personal level. Too many lives are affected by cancer, and almost everyone knows someone directly affected by the disease. Cancer is personal and undeniably prevalent today, but Cycle for Survival is a way to fight back.