Hundreds Rode In Cycle For Survival's Times Square Takeover To Launch 2015 Registration

NEW YORK, Sept. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cycle for Survival, the nationwide movement to beat rare cancers, brought hundreds of supporters to Times Square on Friday for its second annual Times Square Takeover, an all-day celebration featuring high-energy stationary cycling sessions. 

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click:  http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7325451-cycle-for-survival-second-annual-times-square-takeover-2015-registration-launch/

The day kicked off Cycle for Survival's ninth year and the launch of registration for its 2015 events across the country.

Since its founding in 2007, Cycle for Survival has become the fastest-growing* athletic fundraising event in the country. Together with Equinox and hundreds of thousands of supporters across the country, the movement has raised more than $50 million for pioneering cancer research. Every dollar goes to research within six months of the annual events in February and March.

Throughout the day, more than 600 participants, including rare cancer survivors, patients, doctors, caregivers, and supporters rode 100 stationary bikes in Times Square. Instructors from Cycle for Survival's founding partner, Equinox, led six rides at the event.

100 percent of the money raised from the Times Square Takeover—and all other Cycle for Survival events—will support rare cancer research studies, clinical trials, and major research initiatives led by Memorial Sloan Kettering, which owns and operates Cycle for Survival. 

In 2015, Cycle for Survival events will take place in thirteen cities across the country: Boston; Chicago; Dallas; Greenwich, Conn.; Long Island, N.Y.; Los Angeles; Miami; New York; Palo Alto, Calif.; San Francisco; Seattle, Wash.; Summit N.J.; and Washington, D.C.

About 1.6 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer in the past year, and half of those people are battling a rare cancer. Rare cancers include pancreatic, thyroid, brain, ovarian cancer, all pediatric cancers, and many others. Rare cancer research is typically underfunded—often leaving patients with extremely limited options for recovery and few or no proven treatment plans. Cycle for Survival is helping to fill this funding gap by supporting cutting-edge research.

For photos, videos, an FAQ, and additional information on the Times Square Takeover and Cycle for Survival, please access the online media kit: news.cycleforsurvival.org

Join the Battle. Visit www.cycleforsurvival.org.

*Source: Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum, 2013 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Top 30 Ranked by Gross Revenue

QUOTES:

David B. Solit, MD, Director of the Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center:

"Working on the front lines of rare cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering, I have seen firsthand the impact Cycle for Survival has had on the battle to beat rare cancers. That impact is reflected in the determination and camaraderie of the Cycle for Survival community, which is clearly powered by the conviction that together they can — and will — drive research forward.  I'm proud to be a part of the determined Cycle for Survival community myself, and happy to be here cycling at the second annual Times Square Takeover as we mark the start of another year of progress." 

Sarah Robb O'Hagan, Equinox President

"Today is a day of inspiration.  As we open registration for the 2015 events nationwide, we couldn't be prouder to be a founding partner for this cause.  Equinox shares an incredible passion for Cycle for Survival and has supported, championed and celebrated this incredible movement from the beginning.  We are dedicated to the community and to life-changing work."

The Equinox team – instructors, management and members – feel a strong connection to Cycle for Survival and the mission to fund rare cancer research.  Together with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, we are committed to riding harder, riding faster, raising awareness and beating rare cancers."

About Cycle for Survival
Join the Battle. Cycle for Survival is the national movement to beat rare cancers. About half of all cancer patients are fighting a rare cancer, and they often face limited or no treatment options. Since 2007, Cycle for Survival has raised more than $50 million through its signature indoor team cycling events across the U.S. to help fund pioneering rare cancer research led by Memorial Sloan Kettering, which owns and operates Cycle for Survival. Together with the movement's founding partner, Equinox, Cycle for Survival has supported innovative clinical trials, research studies, and major research initiatives. 100 percent of every donation funds rare cancer research. For a list of upcoming events, updates on research, and additional information, visit www.cycleforsurvival.org and follow Cycle for Survival on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Memorial Sloan Kettering—the world's oldest and largest private cancer center—has devoted more than 125 years to exceptional patient care, innovative research, and outstanding educational programs. Today, we are one of 41 National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, with state-of-the-art science flourishing side by side with clinical studies and treatment. The close collaboration between our physicians and scientists is one of our unique strengths, enabling us to provide patients with the best care available as we work to discover more-effective strategies to prevent, control, and ultimately cure cancer in the future. Our education programs train future physicians and scientists, and the knowledge and experience they gain at Memorial Sloan Kettering has an impact on cancer treatment and biomedical research around the world.

About Equinox
Equinox operates 65 upscale, full-service clubs in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Boston, Dallas and Washington, DC, as well as international locations in London and Toronto.  The company offers an integrated selection of Equinox-branded programs, services and products, including strength and cardio training, group fitness classes, personal training, spa services and products, apparel and food/juice bars.  Since its inception in 1991, Equinox has developed a lifestyle brand that represents service, value, quality, expertise, innovation, attention to detail, market leadership and results. IT'S NOT FITNESS. IT'S LIFE.

CONTACT:
Kate Murphy
[email protected]
(401)578-9895

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7325451-cycle-for-survival-second-annual-times-square-takeover-2015-registration-launch/

SOURCE Cycle for Survival