Make Your “Echoes” Count – Support Cancer Research at the Abramson Cancer Center

In 2011, Bill Barbour was diagnosed with prostate cancer and treated with proton therapy at Penn Medicine. Today, he is cancer free.

But this story isn’t about Bill.

An avid cyclist, Bill is riding the inaugural Ride to Conquer Cancer Philadelphia ride this October.

Though he’s not doing it for himself.

“For many people participating, the ride is a metaphor for their life and their survival,” says Bill. “The ride has a purpose, beginning, support, family, friends, challenges and a finish. It may be analogous to someone’s journey through their cancer battle,” Bill adds.

But for Bill, the ride is about possibilities – and how dollars earned through the ride directly contribute to life-saving cancer research at the Abramson Cancer Center.

“I believe in the research happening at Penn,” says Bill who is most recently inspired by the story of Emma Whitehead who is cancer-free because of Dr. Carl June’s cancer research at the Abramson Cancer Center. “The research happening today will create new therapies to save lives tomorrow. I want to support that.”

Bill says the opportunity to help raise money for cancer research brings to mind an impressive scene from the 2001 movie, Gladiator.

Bill describes Russell Crowe’s character as the Roman general that is preparing his men to enter battle. The general looks around to the men who will ultimately give their lives for the fight he proclaims, “Brothers, what we do in life echoes in eternity!”

Bill says that “we can make such echoes in our support of cancer research today that will benefit generations to come.”

Visit Bill’s online fundraising page here

The Ride to Conquer Cancer©

Join Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) on October 11 to 12, 2014 in the Ride to Conquer Cancer© (RTCC)—an unforgettable and epic bike ride through Pennsylvania’s picturesque scenery -towards one life-changing destination: to cure cancer. The ride isn’t just for cyclists, it’s for anyone who wants to see a cure for cancer.

At two-days and 150+ miles the RTCC will be a physical challenge—and an emotional and inspirational weekend—that will give you a chance to join forces with our physicians, patients, and families to leave everything on the bike course and raise serious funds and awareness in the ACC’s fight to cure cancer.

The funds raised through the ride will be put to use immediately, powering the ACC’s vision to eradicate cancer as a cause of human disease and suffering through precision medicine, novel research, next-generation therapies, and compassionate care.

JOIN TODAY!

This event will be remarkable and will bring together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists, and their supporters with a common goal to conquer this disease. Join the ride in October by registering today at www.ridetovictory.org or by calling (844) 777-7433.

Before the ride, you will have access to:

  • Expert coaching
  • Training rides in your area
  • Personal web page for fundraising
  • Helpful manual
  • 2014 ride commemorative item

During the ride, participants will have access to:

  • Support along the route
  • Catered meals
  • Entertainment at camp
  • Massage and medical care