Record-breaking donations and participation were announced today by the Closer to Free Ride fundraising campaign, which has supported cancer research and care at Smilow Cancer Hospital and the Yale Cancer Center for 14 years.
Organizers reported "an incredible 2,651 Closer to Free Ride participants brought us more than $3.8 million Closer to Free in 2024," beating the $3.3 million of 2023.
Organizers reported "an incredible 2,651 Closer to Free Ride participants brought us more than $3.8 million Closer to Free in 2024," beating the $3.3 million of 2023. Since the beginning, 100% of participant fundraising has gone to Smilow and YCC.
“We are very grateful that fundraising increased this year to support cancer research and innovative clinical programs. It's a testament to the countless volunteer hours that went into the effort, and to the endurance displayed by all of the cyclists,” said Eric Winer, director of Yale Cancer Center and president and physician-in-chief of Smilow Cancer Hospital. “As we look to the future, we anticipate ever more successful rides that will continue to support life-saving cancer research and care. Together, we're making a meaningful difference for people with and at risk of developing cancer, as well as their families."
As explained in the campaign's wrap-up video (above), the ride "puts a lot of things in life in perspective...[it's] a fabulous thing to participate in no matter how you participate" said a Smilow nurse who volunteered at the Oct. 7 event. Participating riders pledged to ride 10, 25, 40, 65, or 100 miles in the New Haven area and some also biked remotely.
All of the more than $30 million raised in the last 14 years has gone to directly support research and patient care. The fundraiser began in 2011 with 434 participants raising $443,251 for research and care at Smilow, which treats more cancer patients than any other hospital in Connecticut and is the only comprehensive cancer facility in the Northeast.
Closer to Free tallies show that the 2024 campaign included:
2,030 Riders
620 Volunteers
222 Teams
342 Survivors Participated
28 States Represented
25,000 Snacks Across 5 Routes
Interested in joining the ride Sept. 6, 2025? Save your spot for next year here.