Fred Hutch’s Obliteride tops $1.8 million for cancer research after weekend ride

Shoreline student Karly Schneider
and mom Kerri Kazarba
rode the new 10 mile route

People can still donate as fundraising continues until September 30

Obliteride riders pedaled more than 63,000 miles across Western Washington this weekend, raising critical funds to help Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center obliterate cancer.

“What a weekend! Thank you to every rider, volunteer and supporter who helped make year three the biggest and best yet,” said Amy Lavin, Obliteride executive director. 

“It’s been amazing to see the region embrace Obliteride and our goal to support cancer research at Fred Hutch. From lemonade stands to arts and craft sales, individuals are finding fun, creative ways to accelerate the research happening here every day.”

To date, Obliteride has raised $1,847,000 for lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutch and organizers expect that number to significantly increase, as their community of passionate supporters continues to fundraise until September 30, 2015. Thanks to generous sponsors like University Village, 100 percent of every dollar raised goes to cancer research at Fred Hutch.

“We know that cancer touches almost everyone. Half of all men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime,” said Dr. Gary Gilliland, president and director of Fred Hutch. “The effort and generosity of people through events like Obliteride are vital to our work toward cancer cures, and so appreciated.”

Shoreline student Kade Schneider blew the horn
as riders crossed the finish line

Obliteride is more than a bike ride. Nearly 1,200 riders enjoyed a weekend of live entertainment, delicious food and celebration. Grammy award winning composer Mateo Messina performed with his new group, The Gentlemen, at a kickoff party at Gas Works Park on Friday night. Famed Seattle chef Tom Douglas attended the celebration for the third year in a row and helped his staff cook up a salmon feast for the crowd. The one word participants use most to describe Obliteride is “awesome.”

Registration for Obliteride 2016 opens early next year.

Obliteride is maniacally focused on FUNding cancer research at Fred Hutch and ultimately, ending cancer. We ride together annually, focusing on possibilities, embracing our fears and celebrating discovery. It’s fun, focused and full of energy! Thanks to generous sponsors like University Village, one hundred percent of every dollar raised goes directly to lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutch. 

Fred Hutch’s pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer with minimal side effects. Private contributions are essential for enabling Fred Hutch scientists to explore novel research opportunities that lead to important medical breakthroughs.