Tom Schultz

I am riding 73 miles in memory of Pat & Tim G & Tim C, and in honor of Scott. Please support my challenge to fight kids' cancer and save little lives.

Donate Now

I've Ridden 0.0 mi My goal is 73 mi

My Rankings

National: 4th
State: 2nd in IL
My Team: 2nd

I've raised $4,438 My goal is $15,351 Donate Now

I'm Riding For

Pat & Tim G & Tim C, and in honor of Scott

Three of my longtime friends, who left us too early, will be along with me this year - in my thoughts and with my music playing loudly. And riding in honor of Scott, who battled cancer in 2022.

My Story

10 Apr 2026

I am back.

This September, I am taking part again - my tenth year - in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer!

Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.

Who am I riding for this year? In the past few years, riding along with me were three longtime friends, who passed away too early. We lost Pat M. in 2020, Tim C. in 2021, and then Tim G. in 2023. And they will be with me again in 2026.

I will also be riding in honor of another kid again this year, our son Scott. Scott started battling Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma in June 2022. He remains cancer free.

Again this year, I will be on Team Kahleesi. Kahleesi is now 7 and was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma when she was only 9 months old. She is currently 5 years in remission. We all want to keep her there as there are no more chemotherapy options to fight her cancer.

With the support of many over the past GCC nine years, we have been able to raise over $66k. THANK YOU!

My GCC goals for this year – continue raising awareness, funds (one more dollar than 2025), and prayers, while hoping this body allows me to ride 73 miles (as I turn 73).

Your support will change lives.

This is not just an event - it is a movement to end childhood cancer.

Onward!

My Legacy

Here's my personal impact over 10 years to fight kids' cancer and save little lives.

300 mi Ridden

$1,174 Raised

2017
203 mi Ridden

$1,515 Raised

2018
223 mi Ridden

$2,328 Raised

2019
206 mi Ridden

$5,163 Raised

2020
202 mi Ridden

$7,500 Raised

2021
201 mi Ridden

$9,076 Raised

2022
124 mi Ridden

$11,844 Raised

2023
144 mi Ridden

$12,215 Raised

2024
86 mi Ridden

$15,350 Raised

2025
Ridden

$4,438 Raised

2026

1,688 mi

Ridden

$70,603

Raised

My Challenge

One month to go

1 Aug 2026

Here we are, in August. The bike has found the trail often and it has been fun. We now have 23 sponsors, with donations over $4400.

Although still early into the challenge, there are over 11k people in total joining this movement to ride. And again, still early with donations, we find my name 4th in the nation, 2nd in the state and 1st in the 66-75 age group. Thanks to you!

As you know, in the past few years, riding along with me were three longtime friends, all born in 1953 like me, who passed away too early. We lost Pat M. in 2020, Tim C. in 2021, and then Tim G. in 2023. This year, I will share some background on Tim G.

Tim and I met in fourth grade when we moved to Mt. Prospect in 1963. Tim’s family lived 2 blocks away from us on the same street. Over those grade school years, we did so much together outside the classroom too - altar boys, Little League, park district football, swimming pools, all sports at our local park, and the list goes on with us being kids. Tim and I continued in organized summer baseball leagues through the end of high school. We also played golf throughout all those years. One of my other grade school classmates was Karen H. Tim and Karen got married in 1979, so we have been friends all this time.

Although we attended St. Viator High School together, our college choices took us to different locations. After that, we would have occasional connections but nothing on a regular basis.

In the early 1990s, Tim called me and asked about Cary, as they were thinking about buying a house in the village we lived in. Karen and Tim did move to Cary and lived in a house 2 blocks away from us – sound familiar. Over the years Tim lived in Cary, we returned to doing many of things we did as kids – playing on a softball team, golfing on Saturday mornings, going on golf trips, seeing each other at church, gathering to have meals together and more. So blessed that the stars aligned for this to happen.

Karen and Tim moved to North Carolina in 2000, with a relocation for his job. We stayed connected over the phone and in person for all these years.

During 2023, Tim had not been feeling well. After a short but brave battle with cancer, Tim passed away in August. I miss my friend Tim as many others do. I was blessed to have our paths cross.

Death and passing away? Yes, it is going to happen to all. Is it hard losing someone you love or care about? Sure, it is. We each process in our own way, the good times, and the rougher times. Understand what works for you. Onward!

Thanks for being on my team!

Posted 2 days ago
July and the heat are here .......

30 Jun 2026

...... and I am back for my monthly update.

In the last month, 3 more sponsors joined our team. We now have 21 sponsors for a total of over $4300. Amazing! And the beat goes on……

Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) is a national leader dedicated to ending childhood cancer. Their main focus is to fuel transformational research to bring better treatments and cures to children with cancer.

I wanted to take some time here to give more background on how we got here.

Children’s Cancer Research Fund began with a single act of generosity. In 1979, 13-year-old Katie Hageboeck (picture included) donated her bike savings to a small fund at the University of Minnesota before losing her life to leukemia. That gift launched what is now CCRF – a national leader that has invested more than $235 million in research, education, and quality-of-life programs for children with cancer.

Katie never got the chance to ride her new bike – so now, we ride for her. Through the Great Cycle Challenge, thousands of riders across all 50 states are pedaling toward Katie’s dream of a world without childhood cancer. Since 2015, our community has ridden nearly 37 million miles and raised more than $80 million to support research for better treatments and to carry Katie’s legacy forward.

Posted 34 days ago
Hello Summer!

30 May 2026

As the temperatures start to rise, we are looking forward to a rise in our bikes finding the trails in June.

From beginning this year's challenge in early May, we are now showing 18 donors, with contributions approaching $3700. Thanks!

Want to help raise awareness, resources and prayers? Feel free to share our information with your family and friends, through talk, text, email, social media.

Get out and enjoy this time of the year.

“The most beautiful things in life are not just things. They are people and places, memories and pictures. They are feelings and moments and smiles and laughter.”

Posted 66 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 80 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 87 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 92 days ago
Hello May

30 Apr 2026

As we go forward, I will send along updates at the beginning of each month until September. In September as rides transition from training into official, I will send weekly updates.

About the Challenge

The Great Cycle Challenge, benefiting Children's Cancer Research Fund, started in 2015, and after 11 years, the event has grown to become one of the biggest cycling events in the United States.

People of all ages, abilities and from every state across the country set themselves a personal riding goal and challenge themselves to pedal to fight kids’ cancer. This year the challenge will again take place throughout the month of September.

In 11 years, our community of riders from all 50 states has ridden over 37 million miles, and together we’ve raised over $80 million in support of research to develop better treatments and find a cure for childhood cancer.

Enjoy your spring! And keep moving.

Posted 95 days ago
$500 raised to fight kids' cancer!

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

Posted 117 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 117 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 117 days ago

My Sponsors

Mark Valentine

“Congratulations Tom; happy to support you on your bike in 2026!”
$517.50
Received this donation 74 days ago

Tom

“Chris and Mark, thanks so much for the very generous donation. Year after year, you show your support and generosity for me and the kids. While helping a great cause, we also remember our good friends Pat and Tim and Tim. Onward!”

Chris and Mark, thanks so much for the very generous donation. Year after year, you show your support and generosity for me and the kids. While helping a great cause, we also remember our good friends Pat and Tim and Tim. Onward!
Mike Kelly

“Very happy to support you on this project, Tom. Well done!”
$517.50
Received this donation 73 days ago

Tom

“Kell, thanks for your very generous donation and joining my lineup again this year. It is helping out a great cause, as we also remember our good friends. Also, thanks for your ongoing support in all areas. Onward!”

Kell, thanks for your very generous donation and joining my lineup again this year. It is helping out a great cause, as we also remember our good friends. Also, thanks for your ongoing support in all areas. Onward!
Viv & Alex

“Go Papa Go!”
$517.50
Received this donation 92 days ago

Tom

“Viv & Alex, thanks for the donation from both of you to help these kids. It is so great to have you join my list again this year in support of me, the kids and this cause. And thanks for the picture of us on my page. I am looking forward to our bike rides together this summer. Make sure Mom and Dad know you did this. Papa”

Viv & Alex, thanks for the donation from both of you to help these kids. It is so great to have you join my list again this year in support of me, the kids and this cause. And thanks for the picture of us on my page. I am looking forward to our bike rides together this summer. Make sure Mom and Dad know you did this. Papa
Kim & Randy Syme

“Tom, What a great cause to ride for America's children. It's an honor to support you. Keep on riding.”
$310.50
Received this donation 80 days ago

Tom

“Kim & Randy, I am honored that you joined me again on this challenge. Thanks for your very generous donation, in support for me, the kids and this cause.”

Kim & Randy, I am honored that you joined me again on this challenge. Thanks for your very generous donation, in support for me, the kids and this cause.
Thomas Frost

“Congratulations on another gift of your service to those in need. 'Though much is taken, much abides.' (Tennyson) Warm regards - Boyoung & Tip”
$310.50
Received this donation 59 days ago

Tom

“Boyoung & Tip, thanks so much for the very generous donation. Year after year, you show your support and generosity for the kids and this cause. And I am very appreciative of your support for me on this, and the ongoing support of all of us through so many items. And with your reference to the Tennyson poem - yes, life does bring loss and aging but – “made weak by time and fate, but strong in will to strive, to seek, to find and not to yield.” Onward!”

Boyoung & Tip, thanks so much for the very generous donation. Year after year, you show your support and generosity for the kids and this cause. And I am very appreciative of your support for me on this, and the ongoing support of all of us through so many items. And with your reference to the Tennyson poem - yes, life does bring loss and aging but – “made weak by time and fate, but strong in will to strive, to seek, to find and not to yield.” Onward!
CJS

“A spring loaded seat makes for a more comfortable ride.”
$258.75
Received this donation 53 days ago

Tom

“Bill & MC, thanks for the generous donation. I am honored to have you on my list again in support of this cause and the kids and families impacted by cancer. Spring loaded seat? Because I'm old and need assist getting off the bike? Or ejector seat and you have the remote? Does CJS make the seat? And yes - the music will be loud as I find the trail behind your house.”

Bill & MC, thanks for the generous donation. I am honored to have you on my list again in support of this cause and the kids and families impacted by cancer. Spring loaded seat? Because I'm old and need assist getting off the bike? Or ejector seat and you have the remote? Does CJS make the seat? And yes - the music will be loud as I find the trail behind your house.
John & Kristin Muntean

“Such a great cause Tom! Thanks for riding for the kids.”
$207
Received this donation 87 days ago

Tom

“Kristin & John, thank you so much for your generosity and ongoing support year after year. Happy to have friends like you that make this all possible. I really appreciate your support of me, the kids and this cause.”

Kristin & John, thank you so much for your generosity and ongoing support year after year. Happy to have friends like you that make this all possible. I really appreciate your support of me, the kids and this cause.
Mike Shanahan

“Once again I am proud to support Tom's ride to fight cancer. You da man Schultzie!!!”
$207
Received this donation 87 days ago

Tom

“Doughboy, thank you for joining my list of sponsors again this year with your very generous donation. Happy to have friends like you that make this all possible. From Viators to SMC to now, so fortunate to be around you for all these years.”

Doughboy, thank you for joining my list of sponsors again this year with your very generous donation. Happy to have friends like you that make this all possible. From Viators to SMC to now, so fortunate to be around you for all these years.
Joan Garrity

“Congratulations to Tom on all the miles and all the dollars in these past years!!! Best wishes for many more miles and dollars...and for cures for the childhood cancers! Best wishes!”
$124.20
Received this donation 95 days ago

Tom

“Joan, thanks for your generous donation. And great to have your name on my list of sponsors again this year. I really appreciate your support of me, the kids, and this cause. And you get the award for being my first sponsor this year.”

Joan, thanks for your generous donation. And great to have your name on my list of sponsors again this year. I really appreciate your support of me, the kids, and this cause. And you get the award for being my first sponsor this year.
Neal Levin

“Good luck Tom! Great cause!”
$120
Received this donation 93 days ago

Tom

“Amy and Neal, thank you so much for your support and generosity for me, the kids and this cause. How great to have your names on my list again this year. Neal, congrats on completing the Boston Marathon and your fundraising $11k efforts associated with that.”

Amy and Neal, thank you so much for your support and generosity for me, the kids and this cause. How great to have your names on my list again this year. Neal, congrats on completing the Boston Marathon and your fundraising $11k efforts associated with that.
Diane Donovan
$103.50
Received this donation 91 days ago

Tom

“Diane and Kevin, I am honored to have you on my list again in support of this cause and the kids and families impacted by cancer. Thanks for your generous donation. And.... Go Cubs Go!”

Diane and Kevin, I am honored to have you on my list again in support of this cause and the kids and families impacted by cancer. Thanks for your generous donation. And.... Go Cubs Go!
Donna Cigrang

“Thank you for doing this every year. I know Tim will be right next to you.”
$103.50
Received this donation 83 days ago

Tom

“Donna, thank you so much for your support for me, the kids and this cause. How great to have your name on my list again this year. Tim will be with me, as we continue to log miles together. But I miss the 2-way conversations.”

Donna, thank you so much for your support for me, the kids and this cause. How great to have your name on my list again this year. Tim will be with me, as we continue to log miles together. But I miss the 2-way conversations.
Jeff Stoner

“Let's do it again. Let me know when you want to take a ride along the Fox River.”
$103.50
Received this donation 42 days ago

Tom

““Jeff, thank you so much for your support for me, the kids and this cause. How great to have your name on my list again this year. And it would be fun to return to the trail with you and connect again.”

“Jeff, thank you so much for your support for me, the kids and this cause. How great to have your name on my list again this year. And it would be fun to return to the trail with you and connect again.
Joan Schmitz
$73
Received this donation 95 days ago

Tom

“Joan & John, thank you so much for your generosity - for this year and all the years you have joined me. Happy to have friends like you that make this all possible. I really appreciate your support of this cause, the kids and me!”

Joan & John, thank you so much for your generosity - for this year and all the years you have joined me. Happy to have friends like you that make this all possible. I really appreciate your support of this cause, the kids and me!
John Schmitz

“Tom, you are the champion of fundraising for pediatric children’s research. Well done!”
$73
Received this donation 91 days ago

Tom

“John & Joan, thanks for your generous donation and joining my lineup again this year. You have supported this challenge for many years. Me a champion? Only because of so many great friends like you. Also, thanks for your ongoing support in all areas.”

John & Joan, thanks for your generous donation and joining my lineup again this year. You have supported this challenge for many years. Me a champion? Only because of so many great friends like you. Also, thanks for your ongoing support in all areas.
Bill Fitton

“Good luck with the bike ride.”
$72.45
Received this donation 81 days ago

Tom

“Julie and Wilbur, thank you so much for your generosity. Great to have your names on my list again this year. Happy to have friends like you that make this all possible. I really appreciate your support of this cause, the kids and me!”

Julie and Wilbur, thank you so much for your generosity. Great to have your names on my list again this year. Happy to have friends like you that make this all possible. I really appreciate your support of this cause, the kids and me!
Michael Stopka
$72.45
Received this donation 66 days ago

Tom

“Donna & Mike, thanks for your donation and joining my list of sponsors again this year. I really appreciate your support of me and this cause. And I think this body of mine will hold up for the challenge, especially as I think of the kids fighting cancer who don't give up. And it was fun to travel again with you in April.”

Donna & Mike, thanks for your donation and joining my list of sponsors again this year. I really appreciate your support of me and this cause. And I think this body of mine will hold up for the challenge, especially as I think of the kids fighting cancer who don't give up. And it was fun to travel again with you in April.
Stephen Schlickman
$72.45
Received this donation 95 days ago

Tom

“Steve, how wonderful that you joined me again on this challenge. Thanks for your very generous donation.”

Steve, how wonderful that you joined me again on this challenge. Thanks for your very generous donation.
Karen and Jim Krause

“Tom: Have fun riding this summer. We know you will reach your Great Cycle Challenge goals. Thanks for riding for this great cause. Good Luck and enjoy riding your bike.”
$51.75
Received this donation 92 days ago

Tom

““Karen & Jim, thanks for joining my sponsor list again this year with your donation to help the kids and families touched by cancer. And thanks for your kind thoughts.”

“Karen & Jim, thanks for joining my sponsor list again this year with your donation to help the kids and families touched by cancer. And thanks for your kind thoughts.
Sherry and Dave

“Good luck Tom!”
$51.75
Received this donation 9 days ago

Tom

“Sherry & Dave, how great to have you joining me this year, as you have done in the past in support of this cause. So glad to have my family along with me.”

Sherry & Dave, how great to have you joining me this year, as you have done in the past in support of this cause. So glad to have my family along with me.

Donate Now

I Am Riding For

Pat & Tim G & Tim C, and in honor of Scott

Three of my longtime friends, who left us too early, will be along with me this year - in my thoughts and with my music playing loudly. And riding in honor of Scott, who battled cancer in 2022.