Cleveland Clinic Team of 33 Bikes to Cincinnati in Support of Cancer Patients

 

Cleveland Clinic was well represented at the third annual Pan Ohio Hope Ride, a fundraising event that supports the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodges. Thirty-three individuals representing Cleveland Clinic employees, their friends and family members participated in this four-day, 328 mile bike ride from Cleveland to Cincinnati from July 30 - August 2, 2009. 

 

“This was one of the most memorable moments of my life and has taken me to heights beyond my comprehension. I will never be the same,” says Maggie Keenan, a cancer survivor and member of the Cleveland Clinic Police Department. Keenan was the first to cross the finish line to a roaring crowd awaiting the riders in Cincinnati. 

 

This year’s team is the largest to ever have been assembled for this ride, and they were the top fundraising team at nearly $30,000. Overall, the team members represented ten Cleveland Clinic departments and cycled more than 6,000 combined miles in this event.

 

"The efforts of team captain Pat Surdy and the 32 other employees in completing this four-day event are just extraordinary,” says Derek Raghavan, MD, PhD, Chair, Taussig Cancer Institute. “This is the realization of Pat's dream and is a great tribute to his leadership, grit and determination.  I'm really proud to have been associated with them and to have been able to support their activities.”

 

The casual ride – not a race – was designed for bike riders of all skill levels that used a mixed route of scenic byways, country roads and spectacular trails. The majority of the team rode all four days, but some rode only the first day from Cleveland to Wooster. 

 

“This was an amazing experience, and I can’t wait for next year!” says Dhanesh Shah, a one-day rider who plans to ride all four days next year.   

 

Kathleen Korosi shares “My teammates and I have nothing but praise for the way this event was organized and especially for the tremendous support we received from the Taussig Cancer Institute and Dr. Raghavan.”

 

“The team had such a rewarding and emotional experience that we have already started planning for next year’s event in July 2010!” comments Surdy.   

 

Anyone interested in participating on the 2010 Cleveland Clinic team can contact surdyp@ccf.org for more information.

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