Bike riders representing thousands of survivors, families, and companies impacted by blood cancer are expected to mobilize as part of the Chicago Blood Cancer Foundation's "Out for Blood" team on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at the 26th Annual North Shore Century. Their mission: raise money and awareness to cure lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma.
"Out for Blood" team member registration is free, but riders are requested (not required) to raise at least $1,000 for blood cancer research. Those raising $100 or more are qualified to receive a t-shirt. Those who raise $350 or more also receive the coveted "Out for Blood" jersey. Riders may choose from a variety of well-mapped and well-marked rides appropriate for biking enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, ranging from the Century Classic (100-mile ride from Evanston to Kenosha) to 70-mile, 62-mile, and 25-mile courses. The North Shore Century is known for its incredibly scenic biking and first-rate support, including food and beverages, bike mechanics at all rest shops and the stop and start lines, SAG wagons along the routes, road monitors, and live music.
Chicago Blood Cancer Foundation will host a post-ride Celebration that will allow all supporters committed to curing blood cancer to participate on September 12th regardless of whether or not they are bike riders. Supporters can also participate, raise money, and earn t-shirts and jerseys by setting up a "Virtual Vampire" team on-line.
"Chicago is leading the way to curing blood cancer," says Scott Seaman, a founder of the Chicago Blood Cancer Foundation. "We have made important progress, but there is much more to do. Awareness and funding research are the long-term survival weapons in the fight against these indiscriminate (but under-publicized) killers." As people impacted by blood cancer, we are taking the lead in pedaling to cure the disease. The cure for blood cancer boils down to raising money for research and then investing it in cogent research projects conducted by first-rate institutions and that is what we are doing."
There are many ways you can participate: (1) ride and raise money on the "Out for Blood" team; (2) donate or fundraise for an "Out for Blood" rider; (2) join us for the Chicago Blood Cancer Foundation post-ride celebration; (3) volunteer; (4) sponsor "Out for Blood" or Chicago Blood Cancer Foundation; (5) donate goods or services; (6) help us get the word out to others who may be interested in participating. Together, we will cure blood cancer.
