Cycle for Survival Raises $13.8 Million as Thousands Nationwide Join the Battle to Beat Rare Cancers

NEW YORK, March 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 12,000 cyclers gathered in ten cities across the country in February and early March to raise more than $13.8 million to support rare cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The events took place at Equinox clubs in New York City; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Washington, D.C.; Chicago; Greenwich, Connecticut; Miami; Summit, New Jersey; Long Island; and Boston; bringing together a nationwide network of friends, colleagues, caregivers, and cancer survivors to cycle in solidarity in the battle against rare cancers.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please visit: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60687-memorial-sloan-kettering-cancer-center-cycle-for-survival-event

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130311/MM72835 )

The 2013 events accelerated Cycle for Survival's extraordinary growth since its founding in 2007.  In 2013, Cycle for Survival's nationwide scope grew from six cities to ten, and the number of participants literally doubled from 6,000 to 12,000.  Fundraising totals increased dramatically as well, from $8.3 million in 2012 to $13.8 million and counting this year.

Cycle for Survival was founded to address an urgent need in cancer research: Half of all people diagnosed with cancer suffer from a "rare" form of the disease, yet research into rare cancers is often underfunded, leaving those patients with fewer treatment options.  Not only does Cycle for Survival provide support for rare cancer research; within six months it allocates every dollar raised to research projects led by Memorial Sloan-Kettering, so that patients with rare cancers quickly see the benefits of donations in the form of new clinical trials and investigational treatment options. Rare cancers include such prevalent forms of the disease as pancreatic, ovarian, brain, and all pediatric cancers.

"During its first seven years, Cycle for Survival has grown to become an indispensable source of funding for research into rare cancers," said Memorial Sloan-Kettering President and CEO Craig B. Thompson.  "We are grateful to the thousands of volunteers who have taken part in events around the country, generating critical support and giving new hope to all those whose lives have been touched by the work that support makes possible."

Among the 2013 Cycle for Survival participants were New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg; Saturday Night Live head writer Seth Meyers; NFL stars Mark Herzlich, Robbie Gould, Nick Roach, Antwaan Randle El, and Jarvis Green; NBA Allstar Grant Hill; Olympic figure skater Sasha Cohen; Olympic gymnasts Shannon Miller and Nastia Liukin; soccer star Cobi Jones; Ethan Zohn of Survivor and Padma Lakshmi of Top Chef; Arianna Huffington, founder and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post; and Australian actor Josh Lawson.

"The impact of these events can be felt across the country," said David Linn, co-founder of Cycle for Survival. "In just a few years, Cycle for Survival has become a nationwide movement that, through direct funding of the most promising cancer research and treatment efforts, is providing hope to cancer patients and their loved ones. We will keep riding for those who so bravely battle rare cancers."

On Friday, March 1, Cycle for Survival made its debut at the Empire State Building lighting ceremony. Seth Meyers, along with representatives from Memorial-Sloan Kettering and Equinox, lit the world-famous icon's tower lights orange in celebration of the Cycle for Survival events.

"We at Equinox are honored to be a part of Cycle for Survival and partner with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in the fight against rare cancers," said Scott Rosen, Chief Operating Officer for Equinox Fitness Clubs. "We are grateful to all of the participants who make such a difference in the lives of so many by riding in these events and raising money for critical research."

To join the battle to beat rare cancers, visit cycleforsurvival.org.

About Cycle for Survival
Cycle for Survival is the national indoor team cycling event that is owned and operated by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Together with its founding partner, Equinox, Cycle for Survival raises money to fund critical research to fight rare cancers. Within six months of each Cycle for Survival event, every dollar raised is allocated to a Memorial Sloan-Kettering research initiative devoted to discovering new and more effective treatments for rare cancers.  In the past six years, Cycle has raised more than $31 million and directly funded 53 clinical trials and research studies.  To join the battle, go to www.cycleforsurvival.org or follow Cycle for Survival on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

About Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is the world's oldest private institution devoted to prevention, patient care, research, and education in cancer. Our scientists and clinicians generate innovative approaches to better understand, diagnose, and treat cancer. Our specialists are leaders in biomedical research and in translating the latest research to advance the standard of cancer care worldwide. For more information, go to www.mskcc.org.

About Equinox
Equinox Fitness Clubs operates 59 upscale, full-service facilities in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Boston, Dallas, and Washington, D.C. The company offers an integrated selection of Equinox-branded programs, services, and products, including strength and cardio training, group fitness classes, personal training, spa services and products, apparel, and food/juice bars. Since its inception in 1991, Equinox has developed a lifestyle brand that represents service, value, quality, expertise, innovation, attention to detail, market leadership, and results. www.equinox.com.

IT'S NOT FITNESS. IT'S LIFE.

SOURCE Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center