New Brunswick, N.J. – Having contributed $1.4 million over the past decade to research efforts at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the Century for the Cure charity bike ride is gearing up for another successful year. Registration is now open for this year’s September 20 event, and organizers are hoping to raise $300,000.
“We ride for family. We ride for friends. We ride because we can,” notes ride founder Scott Glickman. A cycling enthusiast, Glickman rode in a high-profile event in Massachusetts for years until he was sidelined briefly from this passion. It was in the late 1990s when he was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and wasn’t sure if he would ever ride again. But after being successfully treated at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Glickman was back on two wheels and dedicated his efforts to making resources available that would further unlock the mysteries of cancer. “Finding new and innovative therapies for cancer is critical. By supporting today’s research through Century for the Cure, we are ensuring tomorrow’s treatments,” said Glickman.
Century for the Cure in part supports innovative clinical trials led by Roger Strair, MD, PhD, chief of Hematologic Malignancies/Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation at the Cancer Institute and Glickman’s oncologist. “Funds from Century for the Cure have helped us conduct unique early-stage studies in leukemia, lymphomas and kidney cancer. We have been able to leverage that support to receive additional resources to take some of these trials to the next level. Thanks to the continued efforts of Scott and Aileen Glickman, we are able to further our research,” noted Strair, who is also a professor of medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Century for the Cure also has supported grants for scientific investigators to further explore varied blood cancers.
“The first event in 2005 saw only 13 riders. Now hundreds strong, we have traveled some 87,000 miles over the past decade. The $1.4 million raised as a result is an amazing testament to how the collective dedication to this event is truly making a difference. My wife Aileen and I are extremely proud that Century for the Cure continues to have a positive impact on the lives of patients,” adds Glickman.
Century for the Cure sees hundreds of riders, dozens of volunteers and numerous “virtual participants” – those who choose to support the event through online giving. Varied courses are available including100-mile, 62-mile and 40-mile treks, which begin and end at Camp Riverbend in Warren Township. To register for this year’s Century for the Cure or to learn how you can help, visit www.centuryforthecure.com.
About Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (www.cinj.org) is the state’s first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. As part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey is dedicated to improving the detection, treatment and care of patients with cancer, and to serving as an education resource for cancer prevention. Physician-scientists at the Cancer Institute engage in translational research, transforming their laboratory discoveries into clinical practice, quite literally bringing research to life. To make a tax-deductible gift to support the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, call 848-932-3637 or visit www.cinj.org/giving. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheCINJ.
The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Network is comprised of hospitals throughout the state and provides the highest quality cancer care and rapid dissemination of important discoveries into the community. Flagship Hospital: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. System Partner: Meridian Health (Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Ocean Medical Center, Riverview Medical Center, Southern Ocean Medical Center, and Bayshore Community Hospital). Major Clinical Research Affiliate Hospitals: Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Medical Center and Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Overlook Medical Center. Affiliate Hospitals: JFK Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (CINJ Hamilton), and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset.