February 2, 2016

Velosano 3 Registration Now Open

Third Annual Cycling Event to Support Cancer Research at Cleveland Clinic

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Registration for VeloSano, the annual cycling event to raise money for cancer research at Cleveland Clinic, is now open to the public. The event will take place July 29 to 31, 2016.

Riders can choose either a one- or two-day cycling experience. The one-day rides range from 12 to100 miles, while the two-day ride totals 206 miles and includes overnight accommodations at The College of Wooster. Each rider commits to raising a minimum specified amount between $500 and $2,000, based on the length of the ride selected.

In its first two years, over 2,100 cyclists from 28 states rode in the one- or two-day cycling event, covering more than 118,000 miles and raising nearly $5 million for cancer research at Cleveland Clinic.

“We keep growing every year, and we’re geared up for our biggest event,” said VeloSano founder and co-chair Stewart Kohl. “VeloSano keeps getting bigger because it’s so much fun to ride roughshod over cancer. I can’t wait to see Mall B covered in spandex, riders, volunteers and even more sponsors this year.”

VeloSano has gained significant momentum in raising money for cancer research at Cleveland Clinic due to the support of many local sponsors, including the Donna and Stewart Kohl Fund, the Cleveland Indians and Jones Day, who have each pledged to support the event for several years to come. This year, the Donna and Stewart Kohl Fund pledged $1 million to support VeloSano over the next four years.

Since its inception in 1921, Cleveland Clinic has been at the forefront of cancer breakthroughs. Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists have developed new surgical techniques, discovered new treatments and uncovered key information about cancer cells that has resulted in significant changes in the way patients are screened, diagnosed and treated.

Cancer remains one of the most pressing health concerns in the United States. Approximately one in three women and one in two men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. While Vice President Biden’s recently announced cancer mission brings to light the need for government funding for research, philanthropic funds from efforts such as VeloSano allow Cleveland Clinic to further accelerate advancements in treatment and patient care.

”Generous support of VeloSano will fuel our translational and clinical research, benefitting patients now and in the future,” said Brian J. Bolwell, M.D., FACP, chairman of the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute. “Resources raised from VeloSano lead to new scientific knowledge about treating and preventing cancer, which can ultimately save lives.”

This year, VeloSano funded 15 VeloSano Pilot Awards for a variety of cancer research projects via a competitive peer-reviewed application process. Research topics range from discovering new strategies for killing cancer stem cells to finding less toxic approaches for treating advanced breast cancer. Other projects are funding much-needed research in several types of cancers including liver cancer, myeloid leukemia, breast cancer, lung cancer, multiple myeloma, brain cancer, and colon cancer. VeloSano also provided $250,000 to the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center to fund research projects within that program.

Weekend festivities are open to all, and begin with the VeloSano Kickoff Party on July 29 at Mall B in downtown Cleveland. Riders will depart July 30 and head east out of Cleveland from St. Clair Avenue and Mall B, where they will also return for the Finish Line Celebration. The shorter rides will stay centrally located while the 50-mile and longer rides will head southeast past many scenic reservoirs and Cleveland Metroparks sites. The two-day riders will finish day one at The College of Wooster in Wooster, OH and head back to Cleveland on July 31 via Cleveland’s west side.

VeloSano is able to donate 100 percent of the fundraising dollars to cancer research due to the monetary and/or in-kind support of its volunteers and partners. Confirmed 2016 partners include the founding partners, the Cleveland Indians and The Donna M. and Stewart A. Kohl Fund at the Cleveland Foundation. Supporting partners are Jones Day and Lexus. Contributing partners consist of KeyBank and Northeast Ohio Media Group. “Spoke” partners include American Greetings, Hileman Group, RSM, Smucker’s and The Lerner Foundation. “Pedal” partners are GOJO, Staples and Turner Construction.

For more information on how to get involved or to register, please visit http://www.velosano.org.

About VeloSano

VeloSano, Latin for “swift cure,” is more than another fundraising event. It’s more than a bike ride. VeloSano is a movement with the goal of bringing an entire community together to help one another. Dollars raised by VeloSano participants will provide sustainable funding to support cancer research. It will depend on the passion and energy of thousands of people who wish to advance our knowledge around cancer and ultimately, help caregivers provide the most personalized care to cancer patients and families. Whether you are an avid cyclist, a compassionate crusader, or a spirited fan, you can be a part of the VeloSano family. Thanks to the dedication of our sponsors, 100 percent of the proceeds raised through VeloSano will be carefully applied to cancer research at Cleveland Clinic.

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