More than 230 Bristol Myers Squibb employees have raised over $1.6 million for cancer research by pedaling 3,000 miles across the country in an epic 24-day cycling event that will end on Friday afternoon when they cross the finish line in Long Branch.
The Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Research event began on Sept. 8 in Cannon Beach, Oregon with 19 teams of BMS riders traveling along two separate routes. Their trek ends Oct. 1 at the Long Branch Boardwalk, where riders will celebrate by running into the Atlantic Ocean.
Since 2014, 530 Bristol Myers Squibb employees have raised over $7.15 million for cancer research on the C2C4C ride. BMS employees who participate commit themselves to five months of extensive training before the ride and set a goal of raising more than $1 million each year for the nonprofit V Foundation for Cancer Research. BMS matches donations dollar for dollar up to a maximum $500,000.
Some of the riders have been diagnosed with cancer themselves, while others are riding in honor of loved ones who have been affected by the disease. COVID-19 postponed last year’s C2C4C event, so the 2020 and 2021 teams are riding concurrently – one on a northern route and one on a southern route until they all meet at the finish line at the Jersey Shore.
Riders will continue to raise funds through Oct. 15. To donate, go to cancerbikeride.org.
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded by ESPN and legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano. Since 1993, the foundation has awarded more than $260 million in cancer research grants nationwide and has grown to be one of the leading supporters of innovative cancer research.
