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A record-high 2,900 participants raised more than $3 million for VeloSano in 2020, 100% of which will support lifesaving cancer research at Cleveland Clinic. Latin for “swift cure,” the year-round fundraising initiative has raised a cumulative total of more than $24 million since its inception in 2014.
VeloSano has provided a shared purpose for cancer patients and their families, doctors, researchers and the community to help fight cancer. In 2020, VeloSano’s “Bike to Cure” weekend evolved into a virtual experience with participation from around the world, representing 39 states and six countries.
The total amount raised in 2020 was announced today in a special video featuring inspiring stories from participants about how they adapted to create their personal Virtual VeloSano experience and why it is so important to continue to fundraise and support the cause. The videoalso showcases VeloSano-funded researchers and cancer research projects currently underway.
Cleveland Clinic cancer researchers across the enterprise compete for funds raised by VeloSano, with the money being awarded to research proposals with the greatest promise. Thus far, VeloSano has supported 150 cancer research projects. Those projects often go on to earn research grants from the National Institutes of Health and elsewhere. The total return from additional external funding now surpasses $22 million, making the impact of VeloSano more than $46 million.
“VeloSano support has generated millions of dollars for cancer research efforts at Cleveland Clinic,” said Brian Bolwell, M.D., chairman of Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center. “Participants, volunteers and others who have made VeloSano successful over the years deserve a huge thanks. While we couldn’t all be together this year, we stand united in our commitment to funding cancer research that will impact current and future patients.”
VeloSano has gained significant momentum in raising money for cancer research at Cleveland Clinic due to the support of its partners, including but not limited to, the Stewart Kohl Fund, the Cleveland Indians, Adcom, Jones Day, Lexus, Zack Bruell Events, Advance Ohio, Amgen, DiGeronimo Companies, Hileman Group, House of LaRose / Michelob Ultra, KeyBank, The Lerner Foundation and Lilly Oncology.
VeloSano 8 “Bike to Cure” weekend is scheduled for July 16-18, 2021 and will be chaired by Paul Dolan, Chairman and CEO of the Cleveland Indians, and John Saada, Partner at Jones Day.
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 81,000 employees worldwide are more than 5,743 salaried physicians and researchers, and 20,160 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,690-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 276 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2023, there were 13.7 million outpatient encounters, 323,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 301,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 132 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.
Editor’s Note: Cleveland Clinic News Service is available to provide broadcast-quality interviews and B-roll upon request.
