CIGNA-Jim Calhoun Challenge Ride
From the Summer 2008 issues of e-Momentum and UCHC e-Link.
On Sunday, June 8, more than 500 cyclists helped UConn men's basketball coach Jim Calhoun complete his second-annual signature cancer challenge bike ride, nearly doubling last year's event in both participants and dollars raised to support cancer programs at the UConn Health Center.
The CIGNA-Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride tested cyclists with 10-, 25- or 50-mile courses, which meandered up and around the hills and rivers of northern Connecticut on a hot and humid day.
All proceeds will benefit the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at the UConn Health Center, and Coaches vs. Cancer, a program of the American Cancer Society. The event raised $233,000 in its inaugural ride, and organizers believe that when all pledges are recorded, the 2008 ride may generate as much as $400,000.
Nearly 200 volunteers and sponsors coordinated music, entertainment and refreshments along the route and at the Performing Arts Center at Simsbury Meadows, where the cyclists ended and began their trek.
The ride was particularly poignant for Coach Calhoun this year, coming on the heels of his recent announcement that he had a cancerous mass removed from his neck the month prior. It is Calhoun's third bout with cancer, and he used the May press conference to, among other things, encourage riders to participate in the challenge ride.
He personally participated in the 50-mile course, and says the event exceeded his expectations.
"Speaking on behalf of myself and all the other riders, I think the ride was a great event on a great day for a great cause," says Calhoun. "All of us, as we packed our bikes, really felt that this was a special day. We had a great time, and made another step forward to ridding our society of this terrible disease."
Carolyn D. Runowicz, M.D., director of the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, believes that the event demonstrates Calhoun's commitment to cancer research and treatment at UConn, as well as the ability of donors to accomplish great things through their personal support.
"Because of Coach Calhoun's recent news, I think the 2008 ride took on a special meaning for all of us. And because of the support and participation of hundreds of riders, we can clearly see the commitment of the community to fighting cancer," says Runowicz. "Such support enhances our research and patient care services. On behalf of the doctors and researchers at the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, I personally want to thank every rider and volunteer taking part and making the 2008 ride possible."
