Over 550 participants personalized their rides throughout the month of August
The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, announced the third annual Victory Ride to Cure Cancer presented by Braswell Family Farms raised more than $220,000 for cancer research. This year’s event was reimagined to a more personal experience throughout August in order to adhere to North Carolina COVID-19 guidelines. With over 550 registered riders, the event kicked off July 30 with virtual opening ceremonies, and riders rode any distance, any time and any place throughout the month to raise funds for cancer research.
Participants created their own “Victory Rides” and rode for a combined 30,000 miles, while sharing their #MYVICTORY rides and stories through social media. Cyclists participated from all over the country with rides taking place in the Outer Banks, Yosemite National Park, the National Mall, on the Blue Ridge Parkway and so many more. Awards were given out throughout the month for fastest average speed, most miles, most elevation gain, most rides, most V spirit, best riding outfit, cutest riding partner and best riding location. For a roundup of winners, please click here.
Lou Vaickus was recognized as the top fundraising individual, raising more than $18,000 to support cancer research, with Chad Tucker next, raising more than $11,000. The top fundraising team was TrialCard. The TrialCard riders raised over $23,000, and Duke Cancer Institute was closely behind with over $19,000.
“Funding cancer research is essential,” said Vaickus, the top fundraiser and an oncologist and physician. “Much progress in cancer research has been made in the last 20 years, thanks to generous donors like those supporting us riders in the Victory Ride. Let’s keep it up and make cancer treatable, not a life-ending and life-changing mantle under which our family, friends and caregivers must live.”
The Victory Ride is also supported by a variety of corporate partners, including presenting partner Braswell Family Farms, who donated $50 for each new registrant during the month of August up to $10,000, CBS 17, iHeart Media Raleigh, Spectrum News, Builders Mutual and KPMG. 100% of rider-raised funds from the Victory Ride support Duke Cancer Institute, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Wake Forest Baptist Health Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as breakthrough cancer research nationwide. All riders who raised at least $250 receive complimentary entry for the 2021 Victory Ride.
“This year’s virtual event gave us an opportunity to get more people involved with our Victory Ride partnership,” said Trey Braswell, President of Braswell Family Farms. “We had socially distanced events on public bike trails and engaged our BFF team members in some fun creative contests of our own. The great thing about farmers is that we adapt. At home or together, we are all still fighting to beat cancer!”
In the first three years of the event, riders have raised over $650,000 for the V Foundation. For more information about the Victory Ride to Cure Cancer, please visit thevictoryride.org. Follow the Victory Ride on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @TheVictoryRide.
About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $250 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit v.org.