CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from the virtual Velosano weekend and aired earlier this year, in July.
Despite the annual VeloSano "Bike to Cure" program going virtual this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, volunteers raised more than $3 million for the Cleveland Clinic and cancer research.
The program, which began in 2014, saw a record-breaking 2,900 participants this year. Since it's inception eight years ago, volunteers have raised roughly $24 million to help find -- and fund-- a cure for cancer. According to a press release from the Cleveland Clinic, participants in this year's "Bike to Cure" weekend spanned 39 states and six countries.
“VeloSano support has generated millions of dollars for cancer research efforts at Cleveland Clinic,” said Brian Bolwell, M.D., chairman of Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center. “Participants, volunteers and others who have made VeloSano successful over the years deserve a huge thanks. While we couldn’t all be together this year, we stand united in our commitment to funding cancer research that will impact current and future patients.”
The 3News team had 24 riders raise money in this year's "Bike for the Cure" event, including Digital Anchor Stephanie Haney, Station Manager Micki Byrnes, "GO!" anchor Maureen Kyle, and more. In all, the team raised more than $9,000.
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Cleveland Clinic partners announced the news of the fundraising success in a "virtual bash" on Youtube, which can be found in the player below.
The 2021 VeloSano "Bike to Cure" weekend is currently scheduled for July 16-18.
For more information on VeloSano, click here.