CT Challenge Bike Ride Set to Raise $750,000 for Cancer Survivors on July 27

CT Challenge Bike Ride Set to Raise $750,000 for Cancer Survivors on July 27

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — The CT Challenge, one of the largest fundraising events in Connecticut, will see hundreds of riders from across the state and country cycling through CT on Saturday, July 27. Registration is open at bike.ctchallenge.org for the ride, which aims to raise $750,000 this year to fund wellness programs for cancer survivors.

“There really aren’t a lot of post-treatment resources for the long-term health challenges cancer survivors face,” says CT Challenge co-founder and childhood cancer survivor Jeff Keith. “Exercise and diet programs are proven to reduce cancer recurrence and improve quality of life, but the majority of hospitals nationwide don’t provide these services to cancer survivors. All of our generous sponsors, riders and donors help us fill that gap.”

Mission provides grants to cancer survivors to engage in wellness activities that fight the harsh, long-term effects of treatment. Since 2005, the CT Challenge ride has raised $25 million and helped thousands of cancer survivors reclaim and prolong their lives.

“My daughter’s exercise and dedication to fitness has helped her stay healthy and live a productive life,” says Lori Galdenzi of Fairfield whose daughter, Morgan, 26, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor at age 16. “Morgan adopted a YOLO attitude to live her life to the fullest and enjoy her twenties.”

Morgan has participated in a wide variety of exercise programs funded by the CT Challenge over the years. She recently completed two half marathons and a 10k in NYC and Brooklyn, where she now lives and works. Her father, Jeff Galdenzi, has participated in the CT Challenge many times since his daughter’s diagnosis, riding as much as 100 miles. Lori volunteers for the ride every year as well.

“Morgan shares the same type of attitude as Jeff Keith,” Lori says of the CT Challenge co-founder who lost his leg to cancer at age 12. “Cancer is this very unfortunate thing that has happened to you, but you need to keep moving forward and enjoying life.”

The ride starts at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church in Fairfield, CT, and includes 10, 25, 50, and 100-mile routes, as well as a virtual ride option that can be completed anywhere, by any means on any day. Rider sign-in begins at 5:00 a.m., with the 100-mile riders pushing off at 6:15 a.m. and the 50, 25, and 10-mile routes beginning at 7:45 a.m. after the Salute to Survivors and National Anthem. The festivities continue all day as the riders arrive back, with live music, food trucks, and lawn games.

“The atmosphere at the CT Challenge is so joyous and powerful,” says Westport attorney Fred Ury, who has provided pro bono legal services to the nonprofit and will be riding with the team from Pullman & Comley, a sponsor of the ride. “The cause fills a real need and the difference it makes in people’s lives is absolutely tremendous.”

For registration, donation, and sponsorship information visit bike.ctchallenge.org.