SRU to host fundraiser in fight against cancer
It will be a bike marathon measured in dollars not miles when teams of cyclists descend on the Aebersold Recreation Center at Slippery Rock University March 4.
They will be vying to see who can raise the most funds in the fight against leukemia and lymphoma.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will host its seventh annual “Race to Anyplace at SRU” event to raise funds in the battle against leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers.
The “race in place” will last from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. as teams of up to 12 members pedal stationary bikes in 15-minute heats for six hours.
“Some teams compete, others ride for fun, We have a DJ, and every 15 minutes he will countdown for riders to switch spots,” said Ashley Hardy, a society campaign assistant in an e-mail.
While there is no registration fee, teams must raise a minimum of $500 to reserve a bike.
All participants will receive a T-shirt and be provided with a mat for stretching during the event. Refreshments will also be provided.
Teams are encouraged to compete to raise the most money.
“Right now we have a $300 food/drink voucher from North Country Brewing for the team that raises the most,” Hardy said.
In addition to the funds generated by participating teams, Race to Anyplace at SRU is accepting individual donations, as well as corporate sponsorships.
“Last year we had 35 teams with a total of 334 participants raising $27,567.32,” Hardy said. The money goes to fund patient programs and research.
This year, the goal is to raise $30,000
More than 170,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with some form of blood cancer in the United States annually.
Based in Pittsburgh, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has been funding cancer treatments for more than 60 years.
This year, the society has committed $40.3 million to go toward cancer research grants and has spent more than a billion dollars since its founding in 1949.
To register a team for the event, donate or for more information, visit the society website at http://events.lls.org/pages/wpa/RaceToAnyplaceSRU17
