Fred Hutch’s Obliteride Races Past $2 Million

The bike ride to obliterate cancer accelerates local cancer research

Fred Hutch’s Obliteride proves it is serious about helping end cancer. In its second year, the bike ride raised $2.25 million for lifesaving research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.

“We’re thrilled our riders worked hard to raise these vital funds,” said Amy Lavin, Obliteride’s executive director. “It’s time our community rallied around this amazing research center we’re fortunate to have here in the Northwest.”

Nearly 1,000 people rode more than 60,000 miles in the August event. “Obliteride is more than a bike ride,” said Lavin. “It’s a fun weekend of concerts, celebration and connection toward a common goal.”

“Obliteride is a way for our entire community to be part of Fred Hutch’s mission to end cancer,” said Dr. Fred Appelbaum, executive vice president and deputy director of Fred Hutch. “Private donations are more critical now than ever because of federal cutbacks. Funding is essential; lives are counting on it.”

Local riders

Chris Varley - from Shoreline has Multiple Myeloma and rode the 25-mile Obliteride route along with his wife, Patti. They rode in the inaugural Obliteride last year just three months after he received a stem cell transplant. He still has some cancer cells and is hoping the treatment he receives at SCCA fueled by research at Fred Hutch will keep him alive.

Curtis Westberg - from Lake Forest Park beat cancer 4 years ago and now wants to help others do the same by supporting Obliteride. He rode the 50-mile route.

Top fundraisers: Michelle Shleifer, Katie Frei and Harvey Kanter

Where does the money go?

Obliteride donations will support various forms of cancer research, including breast and other solid tumor cancers. A portion of Obliteride funds also will be designated to catalyze some of the newest and most promising cancer research.

Obliteride’s generous sponsors, including University Village and the Sloan Foundation, ensure 100 percent of every dollar raised stays right here in our community and goes directly to research at Seattle’s Fred Hutch.

Obliteride 2015

Save the date for the next Obliteride: Aug. 9, 2015. Details will be announced in early January when registration opens. For more information, visit the webpage. 

ABOUT OBLITERIDE

Obliteride is a community that cares fiercely about ending cancer. We connect over the impact cancer is having on our lives and our intense commitment to find better treatments and ultimately eliminate it. We believe that together we can make a difference. Together we can end cancer. Join the movement to obliterate cancer. It’s fun, focused and full of energy! 100% of every dollar raised goes directly to lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutch.