In 2013, a group of friends and I gathered in a tavern in Philadelphia to discuss how we could play an active role in advancing cancer research. With our shared enthusiasm for biking and curing cancer, we founded the Breakthrough Bike Challenge, a tax-exempt charitable organization.
Through its website and annual charity bike ride, the Breakthrough Bike Challenge raises funds that provide research grants at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center. Setting itself apart from other cancer fundraisers, the Breakthrough Bike Challenge is guided by its mission to donate 100% of the funds raised directly to research. Administrative costs are kept low and are covered by board contributions, volunteer efforts, and corporate sponsorships. The bike event offers a short, medium, and long ride through beautiful Berks County farmland, so participants of all ages and fitness levels can participate and encourage one another.
While we have since lost beloved family members and friends to cancer, their passion for living and determination to fight continues to inspire us to meet the challenge and be part of the solution. It is our dream for the Breakthrough Bike Challenge to become a movement and shared vision in the fight against cancer.