Hundreds of cyclists at the starting line, cheering spectators, volunteers distributing water along a scenic tree-line route—the makings of a beautiful bicycle ride—but on Sunday, September 30th, 2012, this very scene won’t be a typical race. More than 250 anticipated riders will be participating in the Sixth Annual Lymphoma Research Ride, a non-competitive bike ride dedicated to funding lymphoma research and helping those touched with the disease.
Christine and Dr. Bruce Cheson funded the ride, which began as a combination of their shared passion for cycling with Dr. Bruce Cheson’s professional focus—he is the Deputy chief in the Division of Hematology-Oncology and Head of Hematology at the Lombardi Comprehensive Care Center at Georgetown University Hospital, and holds a position on the Scientific Advisory Board for the Lymphoma Research Foundation.
Christine Cheson, who participates in the non-competitive ride event, never imagined that her charity work would shift from gala events to a bike ride full of Spandex and sweat.
But, she couldn’t be happier. The ride has now raised nearly $2 million for lymphoma research, with last year’s ride alone raising over $475,000.
The ride will be hosted by the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF), whose mission is finding a cure for the blood cancer 200 Americans are diagnosed with every day. All funds raised by participants will go towards supporting the LRF’s mission. Individual riders are asked to raise a minimum of $1,000 to participate in the 25- or 50-mile ride.
The ride begins at 9 a.m. at the Barnesville School in Montgomery County, trailing along a tree-lined route. Volunteers will be handing out water and helping with bike repairs. Spectators are invited to watch and cheer on riders.
For more information on the Lymphoma Research Ride, visit www.lymphoma.org/ride2012.
Karolina Gajdeczka is a former editorial intern at Maryland Life.
