Fred Hutch's Obliteride Announces a Fun New Ride Benefiting Women's Cancer Research

SEATTLE, April 7, 2015 – Fred Hutch’s Obliteride launches a new ride for people who are passionate about ending cancer, especially those afflicting women. The 10-mile pedal will take people on a controlled course around Lake Union Aug. 9, 2015, starting at Fred Hutch and ending at Gas Works Park for a celebration party.

“We are excited to add this new, shorter route for people who want to help find a cure for women’s cancers,” said Amy Lavin, Obliteride’s executive director. “Obliteride is a unique cancer fundraiser in the Northwest. It’s an opportunity to keep every penny we raise in Seattle, funding world-class cancer research at Fred Hutch; research that will ultimately lead to cures.”

Fred Hutch has distinguished itself as a leader in cancers that affect women, achieving breakthroughs that advance our understanding and treatment of breast, cervical and ovarian cancers.

Women’s Cancer Facts

· One in three women will get cancer in their lifetime

· Breast cancer ranks as the most common form of cancer and second-leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the U.S.

· Research at Fred Hutch discovering the risks of combined hormone replacement therapy now prevents 20,000 women from getting breast cancer in the U.S. each year.

· Fred Hutch researchers are developing new less-toxic treatments that harness a patient’s own immune system to fight breast, ovarian and many other types of cancers.

· Fred Hutch scientists made discoveries that led to Gardasil, a vaccine that helps prevent HPV infection, the primary cause of cervical cancer.

Family-Friendly Ride

Families can ride Obliteride together. Children over 10 years old can pedal their own bikes on the 10-mile course. Younger kids will need to ride attached to their parent’s bike on a tag-along or tandem bike. “We want everyone to feel this is something they can do, even if they don’t own a bike,” said Lavin. “Go for it. Rent, borrow or buy a bike and ride the inaugural 10-mile route with us. It’s going to be a lot of fun!”

Obliteride also offers four more challenging rides, ranging from 25 to 150 miles, for people who are ready to commit to doing even more to fund cures. Register to ride or volunteer at Obliteride.org.

ABOUT OBLITERIDE

Obliteride is maniacally focused on FUNding cancer research at Fred Hutch and ultimately, ending cancer. We ride together annually; focusing on possibilities, embracing our fears and celebrating discovery. It’s fun, focused and full of energy! Thanks to generous sponsors like University Village, 100% of every dollar raised goes directly to lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutch. Learn more at www.obliteride.org.