The Times Square Takeover!
This all-day celebration kicks off the registration of Cycle for Survival’s indoor cycling events that happen across the country in 2017. Presented by smartwater®, the takeover was high-energy event with 100 stationary bikes in the heart of Times Square where riders made a gift of $20.17 to participate in an hour long spin class led by top Equinox spin instructors. All proceeds from the day went directly to rare cancer research led by Memorial Sloane Kettering (MSK).
I got to ride front row with the inspiring JJ Hendershot, Director THE Force at Vimmia, Advisory Board Member and Executive Director of The Heroes Project, and a Group Fitness Manager for Equinox who led a ride later that night! Amy Freeze, WABC-TV’s Meterologist for Eyewitness News, was also riding front row with us after she shared her inspirational and emotional story about her sister, Lindsey Freeze, who was diagnosed with a rare melanoma in 2014, when there were only 700 cases reported worldwide. Rob Riggle – actor, comedian, and retired U.S. Marine Corps Reserve officer – was also there to speak to the 100 riders before we started cycling!
Did you know that half of all cancer diagnoses are considered “rare cancers”?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a “rare cancer” is one with a prevalence of fewer than 200,000 affected individuals in the United States. Rare cancers include brain, pancreatic, ovarian, stomach, all types of pediatric cancers, and many others—yet they often don’t attract the research dollars needed for new therapies and treatments. But when you put all of these rare cancer types together, they account for approximately half of all cancer diagnoses. Research on many rare cancers is drastically underfunded, often leaving patients with limited or no treatment options. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center—the world’s oldest and largest private cancer center—is committed to changing that reality.
How To Get Involved With Cycle for Survival!
#1: You register here and you can ride with a team or solo. It’s free to register and there is a minimum team fundraising requirement of $1,000 per bike, with four to eight teammates per bike. “Extreme” riders have their own bike for the four hour ride, and commit to raising $4,000.
#2: You raise money and here are some tips on how to do that!
#3: You ride either solo or with four back-to-back 50 minute sessions where team members ride relay-style sharing a stationary bike). Here’s a list of the 2017 locations.
#4: You raise research money: Every dollar you raise goes directly to rare cancer research led by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) within six months of the events. This money empowers researchers to pursue the revolutionary ideas that lead to lifesaving breakthroughs that are then shared with hospitals throughout the nation. Here’s more details on their impact.
Where do Cycle for Survival events take place?
In 16 locations across the country in February and March: Bethesda, Md.; Boston; Chicago; Dallas; Greenwich, Conn.; Huntington Beach, Calif.; Long Island, N.Y.; Los Angeles; Miami; New York City; Palo Alto, Calif.; Paramus, N.J.; San Francisco; Seattle; Summit, N.J.; and Washington, D.C.
Note: You can also look into “Create Your Own” fundraising events that take place throughout the year in cities across the country.
The event celebrates the start of Cycle for SurvivalÕs 2017 battle to beat rare cancers, which culminates in rides across the country. Every dollar raised goes to rare cancer research led by Memorial Sloan Kettering. For more information, visit cycleforsurvival.org. (Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Cycle for Survival)
For a list of events, research updates, and additional information, visit www.cycleforsurvival.organd follow Cycle for Survival on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK)-the world’s oldest and largest private cancer center-has devoted more than 130 years to exceptional patient care, innovative research, and outstanding educational programs. Today, it is one of 45 National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, with state-of-the-art science flourishing side by side with clinical studies and treatment.
About Equinox
Equinox operates 83 upscale, full-service clubs in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Boston, Texas and Washington, DC, as well as international locations in London and Toronto. The company offers an integrated selection of Equinox-branded programs, services and products, including strength and cardio training, studio classes, personal training, spa services and products, apparel and food/juice bars
