CARY, North Carolina (October 13, 2021) — The 2021 Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Ride raised over $1.67 million for cancer research for the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Additionally, Bristol Myers Squibb doubled its planned match, adding $1 million for a total of over $2.67 million raised for cancer research funded through the V Foundation.
Participating in the ride were a record 18 teams featuring over 230 Bristol Myers Squibb employees. The teams followed two separate routes, both beginning in Cannon Beach, Oregon, and coming together again in Long Branch, N.J. Each team, mostly comprised of novice cyclists, covered approximately 240 miles in three days for a total of over 3,000 miles per route. Stops included Bend, OR; Walla Walla, WA; Boise, ID; Missoua, MT; Salt Lake City, UT; Billings, MT; Denver, CO; Rapid City, SD; Sioux City, IA; Kansas City, MO; Bloomington, IL; Indianapolis, IN; and Pittsburgh, PA.
On a path to achieve Victory Over Cancer, riders were inspired by their close connections to cancer. Nancy Eavy, a breast cancer survivor and mother of two, rode in this year’s ride from Denver to Kansas City. “I was honored to be a part of Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer this year with so many strong survivors and thrivers from the cancer community,” Eavy said. “We know much more than we did about cancer than we did when I was a patient, but there’s still so much we don’t know. Research plays a pivotal role, and we must continue funding.”
“Bristol Myers Squibb’s support of the V Foundation is incredibly valued by our employees, their friends, and family, because they know that every dollar raised goes directly to cancer research,” said Adam Lenkowsky, senior vice president and general manager of U.S. Cardiovascular, Immunology and Oncology. “After five months of training and fundraising, our riders set a new record in funds raised for the cause. We hope this effort continues to raise awareness about the importance of research for the future of cutting-edge treatments for those with cancer.”
Proceeds from Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer enable the V Foundation to invest in even more potential breakthrough cancer research nationwide. Including the funds raised from the riders, since 2015, Bristol Myers Squibb has provided nearly $15 million in charitable donations to the V Foundation to support multiple research initiatives.
“I am in awe of the dedication displayed by every single one of these riders. Whether riding up a mountain or persevering through strong crosswinds, they showed the kind of determination that can stop cancer,” said Shane Jacobson, chief executive officer of the V Foundation.
For more information about the 2021 Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride, visit cancerbikeride.org. For more information about the V Foundation, visit v.org.
