Young Survival Coalition Opens Registration For 2013 YSC Tour de Pink® Bike Rides

National Events Generate Awareness and Benefit Young Women with Breast Cancer

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Apr 29, 2013, 11:46 ET

NEW YORK, April 29, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Kicking off the largest national outdoor cycling effort in the country to meet the unique needs of young breast cancer survivors, Young Survival Coalition (YSC) has opened registration for its three annual YSC Tour de Pink^® outdoor events. Participants who sign up for the rides help ensure that no woman diagnosed under 40 faces breast cancer alone.

The 10^th annual 200-mile East Coast ride will take place September 27–29. The event begins in Philadelphia, Pa., and ends in Washington D.C., featuring several historic sites and rolling hills. On the West Coast, participants riding in the 4^th annual Tour de Pink in Southern California will travel the scenic Pacific Coast Highway October 18–20, inspired by breathtaking ocean views. The route starts in Thousand Oaks and ends in Huntington Beach. On September 28, a one-day event will take place in Atlanta, Ga., attracting nearby residents. Atlanta participants can register to bike from one mile to 100 miles through the city's northern suburbs or run/walk a 5k. Short family rides, a survivor loop and long-distance routes for more experienced cyclists offer additional options.

The three-day rides, limited to 200 participants, feature full rider support, including hotel accommodations, catered meals, rest stops, ride marshals, support and gear (SAG) vehicles and mechanics. One-day options also are available for the East and West Coast events.

"Tour de Pink helps YSC raise awareness that young women can and do get breast cancer. By riding through our local communities, we can spread the word that a young woman diagnosed with breast cancer does not have to face her journey alone," commented Lisa J. Frank, board president, YSC founding member, four-time breast cancer survivor and co-founder of Tour de Pink. "Through the amazing fundraising efforts of its participants, this 'rolling community' enables YSC to offer a wide variety of programming and support to the 250,000 women living in the U.S. today who were diagnosed before their 41st birthday."

Inaugurated in 2004, YSC Tour de Pink® was created to empower young women diagnosed with breast cancer. Tour de Pink generates over $1 million each year for YSC, the oldest and largest national nonprofit organization to focus exclusively on the unique needs of young women affected by breast cancer.

In addition to attracting amateur enthusiasts and breast cancer survivors who train for the rides as a means of taking their body back from cancer, Tour de Pink also draws professional cyclists. In recent years, these have included: Tony Cruz (West Coast - 2012); John Eustice (East Coast - 2012); Brian Walton (East Coast - 2011); Mari Holden (East Coast - 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and West Coast - 2010); Kimberly Baldwin (East Coast - 2009, 2010); Jeff Lenosky (East Coast - 2010); Dave Lettieri (West Coast - 2010); Kelli Emmett (West Coast -2010, 2011, 2012); Frankie Andreu (East Coast - 2008, 2009) and Dede Demet Barry (East Coast - 2006).

YSC would like to thank 2013 national event sponsors Celgene, Emergen-C® and Mentor Worldwide LLC. Celgene is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. Benefitting breast cancer charities since 2007, Emergen-C Pink® flavored fizzy vitamin drink mixes, has raised more than $600,000 for the cause and is a proud supporter of YSC. Founded in 1969, Mentor, a world leader in breast aesthetics, is committed to providing women with the information they need to make an informed decision about their breast restoration options.

A video web series of the 2012 East and West Coast rides, along with participant "Why I Ride" interview vignettes are available on YSC's YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/YSCYoungSurvival. To learn more or register for any of YSC's Tour de Pink rides visit www.ysctourdepink.org.

About YSC Tour de Pink®

Co-founded in 2004 by Lisa J. Frank and Matt Purdue, YSC Tour de Pink was created to raise awareness and funds for Young Survival Coalition (YSC), the first national organization to focus exclusively on the unique needs of young women affected by breast cancer. Growing from six participants in 2004, YSC Tour de Pink® has generated more than $6 million and now consists of three outdoor bike rides, with indoor events around the country. YSC anticipates over 1,200 riders will participate in this year's three national events.

About Young Survival Coalition (YSC)

Established in 1998, Young Survival Coalition (YSC) was the first nonprofit organization to focus exclusively on the unique needs of young women affected by breast cancer. Founded by young survivors for young survivors, YSC began as a grassroots organization to advocate on behalf of all young women diagnosed with breast cancer to increase their length and quality of life. Based in New York City, with networks nationwide, YSC today provides free comprehensive resources, support and educational materials such as the ResourceLink program, Newly Diagnosed Resource Kit (NDRK), Post-Treatment Navigator, Metastatic Navigator and is well known for its three national YSC Tour de Pink bike rides. It also co-hosts C4YW (Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer). For more information please visit: www.youngsurvival.org.