Cycle for Survival


Last year my friends and I took part in Cycle for Survival - if you have no idea what this is, not to worry! I'm here to explain!

Cycle for Survival is an annual fundraiser held by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), and aims to fund rare cancer research. Half of patients diagnosed with cancer have a form of rare cancer (including brain, pancreatic, ovarian, stomach, pediatric, and more), which are incredibly underfunded. This means they are more difficult to treat.

When I realized this, I essentially became the embodiment of a question mark. 50% OF PEOPLE DIAGNOSED HAVE A RARE CANCER YET RESEARCH IS UNDERFUNDED? I'm still trying to comprehend why that is.

This is where MSKCC comes in! They want to change this. Every single dollar raised from this cycling event goes directly towards cancer research at the hospital. Sloan Kettering has fought tirelessly against cancer for over 130 years and every year pushes itself to raise more and more money to support its patients!

What have the donations done so far from past cycling events?

Every donation has allowed researchers to collaborate with institutions around the world (LOOK AT THAT GLOBAL EFFORT COMING TOGETHER YES YES YES) to purchase high-tech equipment, devise various new medications, and establish specialized clinical trials - all of which have eventually led to greater cancer treatment options and lower morality rates!

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A few months ago, I came across an article about a Canadian PhD student whose groundbreaking cancer discovery resulted in a DNA binder that could "switch off" cancer cells and effectively prevent them from spreading. (!!!)  In the article, linked below, Caitlin Miron noted that scientists have been trying to identify a DNA binder like hers for over two decades!


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If you would like to fight back against cancer and want to help fund rare cancer research,  JOIN THE FIGHT. My friends and I will be cycling again this year and are hoping to raise at least $5,000. From now until December 31st, the MetLife Foundation will match your donation DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR.

Thank you so so much to everyone who helps spread the word/donates - let's kick cancer to the curb!


(On our Team Page, we have so far raised $105!)






20 comments:

  1. What an amazing cause and well done to you for being so involved! The Caitlin Morin Research is incredible!

    Jenny
    http://www.jennyinneverland.com

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    1. When I first saw the Caitlin Morin Research come up on my Twitter timeline (the Prime Minister mentioned her) I honestly got so happy - I'm can't wait to see the further research done on the DNA binder she discovered!

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  2. What an amazing achievement! <3 I'm sure your actions have made a victim's life better. As someone who has lost a loved one to cancer, it warms my heart to know that there are causes - and people like you - who are willing to help fight for this. All my love. xx

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  3. That's an amazing cause to raise awareness & funds for :-) YOU GO!

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    1. It makes my heart to happy to see so many people participate in Cycle for Survival; it's a cause I'm happy to ride and raise money for :)

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  4. Amazing cause and those statistics about how common rare kinds are has truly shocked me, I had no idea! x

    Sophie
    www.glowsteady.co.uk

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    1. I didn't realize how common rare kinds were until I first found out about Cycle for Survival! It was even more shocking seeing the lack of funding for research for rare cancers.

      Thank you for reading!

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  5. Sounds like such a great initiative and a great cause to be part of! Cancer causes so many death that really, there should be more fundings towards research! xx corinne

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    1. It's a great cause to cycle for, and yes! All cancer research needs all the funding necessary for scientists to find a cure. It was a real shock for me to learn that rare cancer research is underfunded and! 50% of people diagnosed with cancer have a rare cancer.

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  6. What an amazing cause to raise awareness of and great to see that you are involved as funding is key to help fit cancers.

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    1. Yes! It's a great cause to cycle for and to raise awareness for. I'd gladly cycle for more than 4 hours if it meant rare cancer research would be properly funded rather than underfunded.

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  7. Such an amazing cause and well done you for being so involved! I hope you'll reach more than what you're targeting. All the best! x Ain (www.captaineverland.co.uk)

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    1. Thank you!! It's a great feeling knowing that all the money donated will be going towards rare cancer research :)

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  8. I didn't know about this either! It's great that you have a group of friends with whim you raise awareness and donations with :) I need to find out if there is something similar near where I live!

    Perrine

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    1. I didn't know about how underfunded rare cancer research was until I decided to take part in Cycle for Survival! It's amazing to have friends that would cycle for such a great cause. I'm sure there's definitely events similar happening internationally to raise money for rare cancer research, I hope you'll be able to find one and take part in it!

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