Fred Hutch Gears Up for Inaugural Bike Ride to Accelerate Lifesaving Cancer Research

SEATTLE, Jan. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Driven by the goal to end cancer, Obliteride is a new, community-wide experience which will accelerate lifesaving research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Obliteride is an entire weekend of cycling, celebrations and concerts. Registration opens today at Obliteride.org for the inaugural fundraising bike ride scheduled for Aug. 9-11, 2013. The ride will include multiple routes in Western Washington, offering various distances and terrains so all levels of riders can make their marks against cancer.

"Obliteride is so much more than a phenomenal bike ride," said Amy Lavin, Obliteride executive director. "It's a movement of people committed to obliterating cancer and saving lives faster. Our goal is to ensure the event is fully underwritten so 100 percent of every dollar raised goes directly to lifesaving cancer research right here in Seattle."

Obliteride is not your average bike-a-thon. It is going to be big, because cancer is BIG. The goal for the inaugural year is to net $2.5 million and engage 2,500 riders and 1,000 volunteers. All participants will enjoy a first-class experience including high-quality meals, generous amenities, beautiful routes with rest stops every 10-15 miles, and fun festivities that include local bands, food and microbrew.

"Obliteride is an exciting new ride we are thrilled to support," said Marty Pluth, general manager of Gregg's Cycles. "If you're looking for a great way to take your cycling to a new level in 2013 while raising critical funds for cancer research, Obliteride is a great place to put your time and resources. We hope to see you there!"

Save Lives Faster
Scientists at Fred Hutch tackle everything about cancer. From recent discoveries in immunotherapy that harness the body's natural ability to fight cancer cells with less toxicity than other treatments, to a game-changing breakthrough in pancreatic cancer therapy that may radically increase survival rates, Hutch research is saving thousands of lives each year. Hutch scientists also recently invented a molecule — known as "tumor paint" — that lights up cancer cells, making it easier for surgeons to distinguish cancer from normal tissue while operating, improving survival rates and quality of life for survivors.

As a nonprofit organization, Fred Hutch relies on funding from the government, individuals, businesses and foundations to fund these discoveries and eradicate cancer. Federal funding for cancer research has flat lined in recent years, yet the incidence of cancer keeps growing. This makes the need for philanthropic support from our community more urgent than ever.

"Obliteride is an opportunity for everyone in the Northwest to come together to fight a disease that touches all of us," said Stuart Sloan, a major supporter of Obliteride and chairman of the Obliteride board. "We are creating a first-class experience that will galvanize our community around the need to fund lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutch. Their breakthrough research is literally saving lives and they need our support to do it faster."

For more information and to register to ride, volunteer or fundraise, visit www.obliteride.org.

About Obliteride
Driven by the goal to end cancer, Obliteride is a new, community-wide experience to raise money to accelerate lifesaving research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. We are creating a movement of people committed to obliterating cancer and saving lives faster. Obliteride culminates in an empowering fundraising bike ride experience Aug. 9-11, 2013 that is quintessentially Northwest. Thanks to our early anchor sponsors, University Village and The Sloan Foundation, and our inaugural sponsors, 100 percent of every dollar raised stays in our community and goes directly to breakthrough cancer research. A full list of sponsors is available at http://obliteride.org/sponsors. As a community, together, the more we raise the closer we are to a cure. Ending cancer starts at Fred Hutch.

Contact:
Amy Anderson
Obliteride Public Relations
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
[email protected]
206-310-1965

SOURCE Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center