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!
