For Immediate Release
Date: February 23, 2007
Contact: Bob Mazzone, Connecticut Challenge (203) 353-7690 or
Renee Gaudette, Yale Cancer Center (203) 436-8533
Date Set for 2007 Connecticut Challenge Charity Event
July 28th Bike Ride Funds Unique Cancer Survivorship Clinic at Yale Cancer Center
New Haven, Conn. - Connecticut Challenge organizers have set Saturday, July 28th as the date for their 2007 Ride and are planning some exciting changes for the event, now entering its third year. “We have moved the date of the Ride up to July to allow more people the chance to participate and the response so far has been outstanding. Because we are creating a Clinic especially for cancer survivors, people have really embraced the Connecticut Challenge as a way to make a direct and very positive impact for the cancer survivors in their life,” said co-founder, Jeff Keith.
The 2007 Ride will see the addition of a new distance, intended to attract a wider range of riders. “We have added a 12-mile distance to encourage even more kids and novice cyclists to join the Ride to support Cancer Survivors,” Keith said. With the 12-mile loop, cyclists will now be able to choose from 12, 25, 50 or 100-mile rides, all starting and finishing in Fairfield. “Our goal in adding the 12 mile distance was to open our Ride to children and adults who are not confident enough in their biking skills to ride 25-miles or more. With this new distance we also hope to give Cancer Survivors who are in or have recently completed treatment the confidence that they can participate,” Keith said.
Proceeds from the Connecticut Challenge ride support the Connecticut Challenge Survivorship Clinic at Yale Cancer Center, Connecticut’s first such resource. Through a multi-disciplined approach involving Yale Cancer Center’s leading oncologists, clinicians and scientists, the Survivorship Clinic helps people prevent, detect and treat complications resulting from cancer treatments. The Clinic will also help empower survivors to take steps to maximize their health, quality of life and longevity. Connecticut is among a very few states with a comprehensive program dedicated to meeting the needs of cancer survivors.
One important component of the Survivorship Clinic is the HERO’S Clinic, a specialized program for survivors of childhood cancers. Ride organizers have recently announced that all money raised by Connecticut Challenge riders under the age of 18 will support the HERO’S Clinic. “We believe that kids will really enjoy riding in the event and will be energized by the prospect of supporting the very special HERO’S Clinic,” said Bob Mazzone, Connecticut Challenge Executive Director.
The Connecticut Challenge has contributed $800,000 over the past two years to fund the Survivorship Clinic. “We continue to be amazed and very grateful for the efforts and commitment to cancer survivors by the entire Connecticut Challenge family – riders, volunteers, donors and organizers. The entire Yale medical community is looking forward to the 2007 ride,” said Dr. Richard L. Edelson, Director of Yale Cancer Center.
About the Connecticut Challenge
The Connecticut Challenge is a non-competitive bike ride that raises money for the Connecticut Challenge Survivorship Clinic at Yale Cancer Center. Riders of all ages and skill levels can register for a 12, 25, 50 or 100-mile ride and raise funds from personal sponsors to support their efforts. The 2007 Connecticut Challenge will take place on Saturday, July 28th, starting and finishing in Fairfield, CT. To register to ride, volunteer or make a contribution to the 2007 event, please visit www.ctchallenge.org.
About Yale Cancer Center
Established in 1974, Yale Cancer Center was one of the first university-based comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute. Today, it is one of a select network of only 39 in the United States, and the only one in southern New England.
The Center harnesses the scientific resources of Yale University School of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital and Yale University. Led by Dr. Richard L. Edelson, a leader in cancer immunotherapy, Yale Cancer Center focuses on translational research, an approach through which laboratory discoveries are quickly and efficiently integrated with clinical patient care. For more information visit www.yalecancercenter.org.