Cycle Against Cancer to Help Danbury Child Fighting Brain Tumor

The Connecticut Cancer Foundation (CCF) will hold their highly popular fundraiser, Cycle Against Cancer, in Danbury in July. The event will take place on Saturday, July 29 from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm at the New York Sports Club (NYSC) in Danbury. The Cycle Against Cancer is an indoor cycling fundraiser that capitalizes on the popular sport of “spinning” to raise money for CT cancer patients through CCF. CCF provides financial assistance to CT cancer patients and their families by helping to pay basic living expenses such as rent, mortgage, and utilities. The NYSC in Danbury will graciously provide their spacious spinning room and facilities for participants and their teams.

Many cancer patients face devastating financial challenges on top of their struggles with the illness. Mounting medical bills, lengthy treatment and recovery, and unexpected expenses often create severe financial hardship and a bleak outlook, says Terri Eickel, Director of Development for CCF. “That is why the CT Cancer Foundation is proud to be able to help so many people who are fighting this disease.”

The CT Cancer Foundation provided almost $450,000 in financial aid last year to cancer patients and their families in CT, and Eickel says the Cycle Against Cancer is a significant source of the funds that CCF provides. “Our ultimate goal,” she states, “is to have 20 spinning locations in the Cycle Against Cancer.”

This event doesn’t just help cancer patients throughout CT generally, however. Each location has an Ambassador, a pediatric cancer patient whose family will receive a much larger grant than CCF can typically provide. The Ambassador at New York Sports Club is seven-year-old Gregory from Danbury. Gregory is an outgoing and playful lover of fried chicken and video games, but just over a year ago he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. He has bravely fought both the tumor and various complications, and the CCF is eager to help his family with their numerous expenses.

“Because of the Cycle Against Cancer, the Ambassador family will receive a much larger grant than we can typically provide,” Eickel said. “The rest of the money raised that day will provide aid to cancer patients throughout the state through our CT Cancer Patient Assistance Fund. It is a great way to help cancer patients in CT, while also really helping a local family that is fighting this disease.”

Participating in the Cycle Against Cancer is easy and registration is free! People are asked to form teams, raise money, and come together for a great day of spinning. Each team is asked to raise at least $1,000, but Eickel says this is very doable. “Everyone has been affected by cancer, so they are happy to sponsor you. You can have up to eight people on your team, so reaching that $1000 is easy,” she said. “Plus, it is such a fun event - everyone loves it!”

To register for the Cycle Against Cancer at New York Sports Club on Saturday, July 29, please visit www.cycleagainstcancernewyorksportsclub.org.