Simsbury Family Participates in third Great Cycle Challenge USA

SIMSBURY, CT – September 3, 2022 – Matthew and Melissa Cook and their two sons, Landon age 10 years, and Bryce age 3 years, residents of Simsbury, are riding 325 miles each and plan to raise $5,000 during the month of September for Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) in support of its 8th annual Great Cycle Challenge USA.

Founded in 2015, Great Cycle Challenge USA has grown to become one of the biggest cycling events in the country. In just seven years, over 440,000 riders from 50 states have ridden 29.7 million miles, raising more than $52 million for research and the development of better treatments and cures for childhood cancer. This year, CCRF hopes over 60,000 riders will help it raise more than $10 million.

“Over 15,000 American children are diagnosed with cancer every year and, sadly, 38 children die every week,” said Daniel Gumnit, Chief Executive Officer at Children’s Cancer Research Fund. “Thanks to riders like Matt, Melissa, Landon and Bryce, we’re fueling groundbreaking research to save lives and give kids the brighter future they deserve.”

“This is the third time we have participated in Great Cycle Challenge,” said Matthew Cook. “During the past two years, we rode 250 miles each year and raised $10,294.33. This year, we aim to raise $5,000 and ride at least 325 miles each for a total of 1300 miles. Currently, we’re at 60% of our fundraising goal. We’ll be out on the trails biking daily. This year we are riding for Liam, an 8 year old boy diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or ALL, one of the most common childhood cancers.”

Funds go to support research at leading pediatric cancer centers across America to develop better treatments (and outcomes) when battling childhood cancer.

To learn more about the Cycling Cook’s Great Cycle Challenge USA and to make a donation, view their progress or ride in the challenge, please visit GreatCycleChallenge.com/Riders/MatthewCook3.