CLEVELAND, Ohio — In six years, Cleveland Clinic’s VeloSano bike to cure fundraiser has brought in more than $21 million.
On Wednesday, supporters gathered for “Beyond the Microscope” highlighting the event’s impact on cancer research.
“Cancer certainly brings people together, everyone knows someone who’s experienced cancer,” says Medical Oncologist, Dr. Dale Shepard.
He’s received an award to allow clinical trials to treat rare cancers.
“Sometimes people with rare cancers, they’ll go to their local oncologist and they don’t really know much about the tumor or how to treat it and we’re able to open five clinical trails to offer a treatment option for those patients,” he explains.
There’s more research being done, including work to find innovative ways to overcome a cancer tumor’s resistance to therapy.
Corporate sponsors pay for the operation of the ride, so every dollar goes to research.
“In many ways if we can not necessarily cure, but just like hypertension or diabetes, and we can control it, in an easy way, that would be a win,” says Dr. Shepard.
VeloSano 7 is scheduled for July 17-19, 2020.