VeloSano, Latin for “swift cure,” is a year-round, community-driven fundraising initiative to support lifesaving cancer research at the Cleveland Clinic. The flagship fundraising event is the “Bike to Cure” weekend – where an estimated 2,500 riders will take downtown Cleveland’s streets by pedal. Since 2014, VeloSano has raised $36.7 million for cancer research and $6.9 million in 2022 alone. Leading up to this weekend’s events, VeloSano has already raised $4.3 million and shows no signs of slowing down.
At Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, part of the NCCN and NCI-designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, more than 450 highly skilled doctors, researchers, nurses and technicians care for thousands of patients annually. The Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center unites clinicians and researchers in Taussig Cancer Institute and Cleveland Clinic’s 26 other clinical and surgical institutes, as well as cancer specialists at regional hospitals, health centers and Cleveland Clinic Florida. Ranked No. 1 in Ohio and No. 5 in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Cleveland Clinic’s Cancer Center provides a range of services to patients including clinical trials and internationally-recognized cancer research efforts ensuring patients have access to the latest advances in cancer treatment.
VeloSano is unique because 100% of the dollars raised support Cleveland Clinic’s cancer research. Every mile participants ride and every dollar donors give reminds Cleveland Clinic of their obligation to pursue research that will make a difference in patients’ lives. Treatment for melanoma, an often deadly form of skin cancer, has been revolutionized by introducing new immunotherapy drugs. Cleveland Clinic is researching how this immunotherapy can help patients with other difficult-to-treat cancers, including bladder, brain, lung and kidney.
The Cleveland Clinic is also one of the first cancer centers in the nation to offer a genomics-based approach to cancer care. The money raised can also be used to treat cancer by understanding the underlying genomic makeup rather than where it is in the body. With funding provided by VeloSano, the Cleveland Clinic can offer more clinical trials designed by researchers, ensuring they have the best chance of success in beating cancer.
“Everyone knows someone affected by cancer and it can be empowering to take action together,” said Alex A. Adjei, M.D., Ph.D., chair of Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute. “Cleveland Clinic is a leader in cancer care and research, and the support we receive through VeloSano enables us to expand our work and our impact.”
This year will be the tenth “Bike to Cure” event for VeloSano and the entire weekend will be a reminder and celebration of why everyone is fighting to end cancer for good and the work the event has accomplished. More than 2,500 riders and 800 volunteers will be participating in the annual event and there will be plenty of familiar local faces as well. Masthead Brewing Company and CLE Urban Winery will be providing drinks while Angelo’s, Melt and others will be serving up bites for participants, volunteers and anyone who stops by during the weekend.
After ten years, VeloSano is showing no signs of slowing down in their battle against cancer. VeloSano’s efforts might not beat cancer tomorrow or by the end of this year’s Bike to Cure. But, the combined efforts of the organizations and participants are pedaling toward finding a cure so that one day cancer will be no more.
Evan Dammarell is an award-winning sports journalist covering all things Cleveland right off the shores of Lake Erie. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. You can also email him at evan@downeuclid.com. He can also be found three to five times weekly on Locked On Cavs, a part of the Locked On Podcast Network.
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