Janet Banks

I am riding 150 mi in memory of my son Sean Strother and in honor of those impacted by cancer.. Please sponsor me and support my challenge to fight kids' cancer and save little lives.

Donate Now

I've Ridden 27.3 mi My goal is 150 mi

My Rankings

National: 161st
State: 7th in OH
My Team: 1st

I've raised $4,504 to fight kids' cancer Donate Now

I'm Riding For

my son Sean Strother and in honor of those impacted by cancer.

My Story

2 Sep 2026

This September, I’m riding to end childhood cancer and save little lives.

Every year, more than 15,000 U.S. children are diagnosed with cancer – and 38 lose their lives each week. Despite medical progress, childhood cancer remains a heartbreaking challenge that demands urgent research and support.

My inspiration comes from my son, Sean Strother, who bravely battled Glioblastoma – a rare, aggressive, and incurable brain cancer – before passing 1,343 days ago. Today, on his birthday and Valentine’s Day, I’m launching my Great Cycle Challenge campaign in his honor.

During his treatment, Sean joined the BMC Software GCC team led by Cody Dean, who had also lost his father to brain cancer. Sean rode with purpose – to help children and bring hope to others. Cycling gave him strength, joy, and community, which he loved sharing with his daughters, Jada and Chloe.

To carry forward his legacy of kindness and courage, I’ll ride to support rare cancer research at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Center for Pediatric Immunotherapy.

Join Our Community Ride:

Saturday, September 19, 2026

University Hospitals of Cleveland, 2065 Adelbert Road

Check-in 9:00 AM, Roll-out 10:00 AM

I will provide details for the ride later in the season.

Ride with us to honor Sean’s memory and the courage of all children fighting cancer. Every rider, donor, and message of support fuels lifesaving research and hope for families everywhere.

With gratitude and hope,

Janet – Sean’s Mom & GCC Champion

My Legacy

Here's my personal impact over 5 years to fight kids' cancer and save little lives.

64 mi Ridden

$6,109 Raised

2022
62 mi Ridden

$6,405 Raised

2023
76 mi Ridden

$7,031 Raised

2024
69 mi Ridden

$6,245 Raised

2025
27 mi Ridden

$4,504 Raised

2026

299 mi

Ridden

$30,294

Raised

My Challenge

6.6 mi ride - Friday, September 11, 2026

Logged this ride 6 days ago
$2,500 raised to fight kids' cancer!

I just raised $2,500 to fight kids' cancer and achieved SUPERHERO LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

Posted 8 days ago
$2,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!

I just raised $2,000 to fight kids' cancer and achieved LEGEND LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

Posted 8 days ago
$1,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!

I just raised $1,000 to fight kids' cancer and achieved WARRIOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

Posted 8 days ago
7.3 mi ride - Inaugural ride~ CLE Metroparks Lakefront Reservation! Beautiful! - Monday, August 31, 2026

Logged this ride 13 days ago
13.4 mi ride - Perfect ride along the Metroparks lakefront while enjoying the Air Show's aerial thrills! - Saturday, September 5, 2026

Logged this ride 13 days ago
$250 raised to fight kids' cancer!

I just raised $250 to fight kids' cancer and achieved PROTECTOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

Posted 213 days ago
$100 raised to fight kids' cancer!

I just raised $100 to fight kids' cancer and achieved DEFENDER LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

Posted 215 days ago

My Sponsors

Kick Cancer's Butt Day matched donation

“Here's your matched donation from a group of wonderful Children's Cancer Research Fund supporters. THANK YOU so much for your awesome efforts to kick cancer's butt!”
$1,248.89
Received this donation 8 days ago

Janet
Denise Gardner
$517.50
Received this donation 8 days ago

Janet
Jaci Traver

“Janet - you are amazing!”
$517.50
Received this donation 8 days ago

Janet
The Cleveland (OH) Chapter of Chums, Inc.

“On behalf of the Cleveland (OH) Chums, Inc., please accept our donation in support of Janet Banks and Rochelle Bowman, five-year and four-year legacy riders, respectively, in recognition of their enthusiastic and unwavering participation in the Great Cycle Challenge. Supporting their efforts to fuel life-saving research for safer, more effective treatments for children with cancer aligns closely with the Chums’ Healthy 4 Me initiative, which focuses on improving the overall well-being of children, families, and communities. ~Chante Thomas, President Cleveland (OH) Chums, Inc.”
$150
Received this donation 30 days ago

Janet
The Cleveland Chapter of Chums
$150
Received this donation 23 days ago

Janet
Delphine Boyd

“I’m cheering for you Janet to make your goal! I know that you will because you always triumph! Your son would have been so proud of you as I am!!!!! Carry on in his name!”
$103.50
Received this donation 3 days ago

Janet
Lynda Corea

“You rock Janet! Celebrate your son while you enjoy riding!”
$103.50
Received this donation 8 days ago

Janet
REGINA STROTHER

“Go Team Sean!!!!”
$103.50
Received this donation 9 days ago

Janet
Yasdet Maldonado
$103.50
Received this donation 8 days ago

Janet
Lauren Brill

“Sending hugs!”
$51.75
Received this donation 6 days ago

Janet
Robin Griggs
$51.75
Received this donation 8 days ago

Janet
Wanda Whitmore

“Pedal, Pedal in the name of Seanie Boy. Go, Janet! Love, Sean's Auntie Wanda”
$51.75
Received this donation 9 days ago

Janet
Lolita Young
$29
Received this donation 8 days ago

Janet
Jacquees Steward
$25.88
Received this donation 4 days ago

Janet
Sharon Lave
$20
Received this donation 9 days ago

Janet
Sue Nemeth
$10
Received this donation 9 days ago

Janet
Janet Banks
$1,000
Received this donation 8 days ago

Janet
Janet Banks

“In honor of my son, Sean Strother, I am making a Valentine's Day birthday donation to the Great Cycle Challenge USA (GCC) to jump-start my campaign to end childhood cancer. The GCC is a national ride benefiting the Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF), supporting lifesaving research and better treatment for kids with cancer. The GCC has become one of the largest cycling events in the USA. Since its inception, participants from all 50 states have ridden tens of millions of miles and raised over $80,000,000 to fund research and programs that bring hope and healing to children and their families. Children's Cancer Research Fund uses these dollars to fuel innovative childhood cancer research, focusing on hard-to-treat diseases and survivorship, and to support resources that improve quality of life for kids and families navigating treatment. Please join us and pedal toward brighter futures for these brave children. We're in together. Love, Janet”
$214
Received this donation 215 days ago

Janet
Janet Banks

“The GCC Team - Sean Strother Family & Friends extends heartfelt thanks to all members and guests who visited our information table at Bike Cleveland's Annual Meeting last month to learn about the Great Cycle Challenge USA, benefiting the Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). We were proud to share how CCRF funds groundbreaking research to develop better treatments and ultimately cures for children battling cancer. A special thank-you goes to everyone who participated in our raffle for the Smart Helmet featuring a customizable DIY LED screen, generously donated by GCC legacy rider Evelin Rios. Your contributions directly help advance life-saving research. Congratulations to our raffle winner, Kathy Sonnhalter of the Cleveland Public Library! The Children's Cancer Research Fund is a GuideStar Platinum Transparency participant, a sign of its commitment to accountability and impact.”
$51.75
Received this donation 213 days ago

Janet