Philadelphia's First Ride to Conquer Cancer Launches To Raise Vital Funds For Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Philadelphia's first annual Ride to Conquer Cancer launched on Tuesday to raise vital funds for the cancer programs at Penn Medicine.  Funds raised will be used immediately to support breakthrough cancer research, education and patient care programs at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center.

"We are absolutely thrilled to announce our first annual Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center," said Chi Van Dang, MD, PhD, director of the Abramson Cancer Center.

"This year there will be nearly 80,000 cancer diagnoses in Pennsylvania and it's estimated that one in four deaths in the United States will be caused by cancer.  At the Abramson Cancer Center, we are dedicated to reducing cancer incidence, mortality and morbidity in the community while training future cancer researchers and improving our ability to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.  The funds raised through The Ride will be put to use immediately to power our breakthrough cancer research, and world-class education and patient care programs right here in Philadelphia," said Dr. Dang.

The Ride to Conquer Cancer will be a two-day, 150 mile cycling event through Pennsylvania's picturesque countryside with an overnight camp midway where participants will enjoy pre-set tents, hot meals, showers, live entertainment, massages and other festive activities.  The Ride start and finish will be held on October 11^th and 12^th of this year, and pit stops with fresh food, beverages and public cheer stations will be set up along the route to support Riders as they pass through local communities.

"I was recently diagnosed with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor that is so rare, there is not yet a cure," said Susan Ranck of Springfield, who registered and plans to ride in October.

"I am beyond grateful that funding from research enabled scientists to discover a drug that enables me to at least control my cancer.  Not so long ago, GIST cancer was a practical death sentence, and now there are drug options to offset this terrible disease.  I am here today thanks to research and breakthrough discoveries, so when I learned The Ride is coming to Pennsylvania, I registered immediately. I am excited to ride and it's my hope that with more time and money, the researchers at the Abramson Cancer Center will find a cure for my disease and all forms of cancer," Ranck added.

Dr. Dang said The Ride is a cycling event for everyone and urged people in the Philadelphia region to register, donate or request information by calling (844) 777-7433 or by visiting www.ridetovictory.org. 

"This event will be remarkable and will bring together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists and their supporters with a common goal to conquer this disease," said Dr. Dang.  We invite everyone to join us in October by registering today at www.ridetovictory.org or by calling (844) 777-7433," Dr. Dang added.

To register, donate or request information about The Ride to Conquer Cancer, visit www.ridetovictory.org or call (844) 777-7433.

ABOUT PENN MEDICINE:
The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania is a national leader in cancer research, patient care and education, and an integral part of Penn Medicine, one of the world's leading academic health systems. The pre-eminent position of the Cancer Center is reflected in its continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute for 40 years. The ACC is home to more than 400 basic, translational and clinical research scientists and physicians who work relentlessly to determine the pathogenesis of cancer, thereby improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this deadly disease. Each year, the ACC's clinical program, comprised of a dedicated staff of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, nutritionists and other professionals, sees more than 90,000 outpatient visits and over 11,800 inpatient stays, and provides more than 110,000 chemotherapy infusions and radiation treatments.

Penn Medicine is dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care, consisting of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $4.3 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top five medical schools in the United States for the past 16 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $398 million awarded in the 2012 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania -- recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report; Penn Presbyterian Medical Center; Chester County Hospital; Penn Wissahickon Hospice; and Pennsylvania Hospital -- the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional affiliated inpatient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region include Chestnut Hill Hospital and Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2012, Penn Medicine provided $827 million to benefit our community.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ailish Steele, Senior Communications Manager
The Ride To Conquer Cancer
Mobile: (855) 287-3953 
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Ride to Conquer Cancer