Bristol-Myers Squibb Hosts Fundraising Event Supporting Cancer Research

Almost everyone knowns someone who had cancer or has had cancer themselves.

An increased focus on improving care has significantly decreased cancer mortality rates compared with the past, but more research and funding is needed to advance cancer care even further.

The Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Ride is an event where oncology employees from Bristol-Myers Squibb will cycle across the United States during a 21-day trek. Approximately 80 employees are taking part in the 2800 mile ride, which will raise money for Stand Up To Cancer’s research programs, according to a press release.

Bristol-Myers Squibb has pledged to match donations up to $500,000. Last year’s ride raised $841,000 for the Stand Up To Cancer research.

This year’s goal is to raise $1,000,000 in donations, according to Bristol-Myers Squibb.

“I could not be prouder of these riders, many of whom spend the majority of their time in an office and not on a bike. But they are committed to doing whatever it takes to help patients fighting cancer because we all take this cause very personally,” said Chris Boerner, PhD, president and head of US commercial operations, Bristol-Myers Squibb. “Everyone on these teams is riding for someone they know who has been touched by cancer. This year, I’m riding for my late cousin, whose strength in fighting stomach cancer inspired me to dedicate my professional career to fighting cancer.”

All participants have been touched by cancer in some way, and have pledged to raise money to advance cancer treatments. The ride will span from the Oregon coast to the New Jersey shore. Participants have been broken up into 6 teams, which will each ride for 450 of the 2800 miles.

The participants in the ride underwent 5 months of intensive training, according to the fundraiser’s website.

“One in 2 men and 1 in 3 women in the US will be affected by cancer, so we all have someone we can stand up for. For the third year in a row, the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Ride is standing alongside us as we work to make every person diagnosed with cancer a survivor,” said Katie Couric, Yahoo Global News anchor and Stand Up To Cancer co-founder in a press release. “You take these incredibly dedicated riders, and you combine them with Bristol-Myers Squibb’s commitment to match money raised, dollar-for-dollar, up to $500,000, and what you have is a truly powerful, winning team. That’s what patients fighting cancer deserve, and our hope is that everyone will join us in supporting the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Ride effort.”

The ride started on September 7, and thus far, $322,571.28 has been raised to support cancer research.

Each participant is riding for someone who has battled cancer, and some are even riding for themselves. A participant said in a video on the website that the motto, “our miles make more memories,” is the goal of the ride, to give patients with cancer more memories.

“Like so many Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Ride team members, I have seen the devastating impact that cancer can have on patients and their loved ones, but also the strength and endurance that they so often show,” said 1 of this year’s riders, Lee Krug, MD. “They really are our inspiration on the road. This ride is about hope and about our combined efforts for patients.”