Message from the folks at The Children's Cancer Research Fund

Upon receiving an email, I thought I would share it here, with some editing.

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Over the past 16 days, riders from every state across our great country have pedaled 861,578 miles, through rain or shine. Once again, our Great Cycle Challenge community has risen to the occasion, showing incredible passion, determination, and butt-kicking spirit to fight kids' cancer and save little lives.

It's incredible to see how far this movement has come since our very first challenge in 2015.

Throughout the last 12 years, we've built not only a nationwide community of riders, but also a family of ambassadors and supporters united by one goal: giving kids with cancer the brighter futures they deserve.

Here's what you've helped achieve so far this September:

18,447 riders are taking part from all corners of the country.

52,094 individual donations have been received to support your efforts.

$5,571,504 has been raised (so far), which is incredible.

Together, we've logged 54,698 rides and ridden a total of 861,578 miles.

...and we've still got 14 days to go.

We're pedaling together right to the finish line, and I know you'll be there with us as we close out the challenge strong.

Behind every mile lies the reason why this ride matters so deeply.

So far this month:

688 families have heard the devastating words, "your child has cancer."

We've lost 87 children to this terrible disease.

These families deserve more effective treatments and better outcomes for their kids. And that's why childhood cancer research is so important.

While our month of riding will make a huge difference to the children and families affected by cancer, we can all strive for the day when childhood cancer is a distant memory.

Because kids should be living life, NOT fighting for it.

As you get out on your bike over these next 14 days, please carry these kids with you on every climb, every push, and every mile.

They won't give up, and neither will we.

Thank you so much for riding this September to fight kids' cancer.

Good luck for the rest of the challenge.

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As I have said many times, thank you for being part of this with me.

Week 2 update

It has been a busy week and month so far.

Overall, 18,383 people have joined the movement as riders, raising almost $5.4 million, while pedaling over 665K miles.

Every hill we climb and every mile we pedal will be to honor those lives we've lost and stand with those brave kids still fighting to survive. These kids won't give up, and neither will we.

Previously, I stated my goals for this year - one more than 2025 –

73 miles, as I turn 73 soon.

• Achieved 6 rides totaling 73 miles after my longest ride of the year today. And more to come.

73 sponsors

• Above that number – thank you.

And one more dollar to $15,351

• Currently at $18,117. WOW!

Current leaderboard info across all categories shows me/we are doing very well thanks to your help.

During my early morning rides, I find a riding buddy with me.

Hello “YES” People

I am honored and humbled that you decided to say YES.

YES – to this cause, these kids, to the memory of Pat, Tim and Tim, in honoring Scott and to my many notes.

As many of you know, yesterday was Match Day for the GCC challenge this year.

As a team, we started the week with 29 sponsors with donations around $4800.

During the 24 hours on Wednesday, 40 people decided to say YES, donating around $7200.

This morning, we were told an additional $5500 has been added as part of the match.

Now with seventy sponsors, you have helped us with a total of over $17500. Just some perspective - it took my first 5 years to raise this much.

In the spring, when the goal was established of getting one more dollar than we did in 2025, I really felt it would never come true. But you did it and then some. Amazing.

As our paths have crossed over the years – Schultz, Sughrua, Viators, Marys, IHM, Cary, TCGA, Motorola, Allstate and the list goes on – THANK YOU!

Wednesday 9/9 is Match Day

My junior advisors want to thank you for teaming up with us for this cause.

Week 1

It has been a busy week. My bike found the trail a few times, which is great. I haven’t ridden much this year but making up for it now.

We were also informed that Match Day will happen on Wednesday 9/9 for any online donations done on that day. Not asking you to give again (unless you want to).

You may consider forwarding my link to others- kids, other family members, friends, coworkers, etc. – to see if they would like to join our team, especially on Match Day.

There are now over 18,000 riders across the nation registered for this challenge.

Thanks for joining me on this ride!