From the September 2010 issue of Our Moment, the UConn Foundation's e-newsletter.
By Michael Nocella, UConn Foundation
The University of Connecticut Health Center is making a difference every day in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer thanks to private support from grateful patients, their loved ones and members of the community. Given his success as the UConn men’s basketball coach and his victorious bouts with cancer, you would be hard-pressed to find someone better than Jim Calhoun (member, UConn Alumni Association) to help lead the fight against cancer. On June 12, he headed the fourth annual NBC Connecticut Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride and Walk in Simsbury.
The fundraiser drew nearly 1,000 participants, tripling the participation rate from last year—a real testimony to Calhoun’s leadership and loyal fans.
This event supports cancer research at the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at the UConn Health Center and the American Cancer Society’s Coaches vs. Cancer program. Carolyn D. Runowicz, M.D., director of the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, knows how special and important this event is to not only the center, but also to the community.
“Since cancer has affected all of us either as patients or through friends and family, this fundraiser becomes a personal event in our lives—a way to give back and support research. The research at our cancer center will directly benefit the residents of Connecticut though new discoveries and new therapies. The residents are fortunate to have such dedicated physicians and scientists in their backyard,” says Ru
nowicz.
The event has inspired cyclists like Brian Smith, who has participated every year. He first learned about the ride from hearing Calhoun talk about it at Max’s Oyster Bar in West Hartford, where he bartends. With no personal connection to cancer, Smith was motivated by the opportunity to contribute.
“I like having this opportunity to use cycling for something other than a selfish pursuit, to do something to benefit others,” says Smith.
Smith noted that not even this year’s rain could put a damper on his annual 50-mile ride. Over four years, Smith has remained one of the top fundraisers, bringing in $37,000 in donations.
“The combination of the ride itself and what it aims to support makes for a great day,” he says. “I’m fortunate to have a captive audience where I work and a generous clientele. They’ve stepped up.”
Smith and others who joined Calhoun’s fight against cancer had the option of biking trails of 25, 50 and 75 miles. In addition to bike rides, the event offered a 5K walk for the first time in its history, led by Calhoun’s wife, Pat. Calhoun joined the 25-mile bike ride.
“This event has provided me with a tremendous opportunity to help, but also to meet some outstanding people,” says Calhoun. “The stories you hear from the many people you meet make you realize how fortunate we all are. We all have been touched in our lives by cancer, but knowing that there are people out there willing to do whatever they can to help makes me feel better about our chances of finding a cure for this dreaded disease.”
The event was presented by Cigna and the law firm of RisCassi & Davis, P.C. with additional sponsorship by Price Chopper and a number of other supporters.
For more information about supporting the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at the UConn Health Center, please contact the UConn Foundation’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations.
