CARY, NC (October 19, 2023) – Celebrating a decade of riding for patients, more than 126 Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) employees have completed the 10th annual Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer (C2C4C) cross-country cycling event raising $1.4 million, including a $500,000 match from Bristol Myers Squibb, to advance breakthrough cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The ride began in Cannon Beach, Oregon on Sept. 7 and concluded 27 days and nearly 3,000 miles later at the New Jersey Shore. Since 2014, Bristol Myers Squibb employees have transformed their personal connections to cancer into a formidable force for good. The V Foundation became the beneficiary of the ride in 2018, and the event has raised more than $9 million for the organization over the past six years.
“Year after year, we witness the inspiring commitment of the Bristol Myers Squibb team as they ride cross-country, fostering hope and unity,” said Shane Jacobson, Chief Executive Officer at the V Foundation. “Through months of training and fundraising, these riders have shown their dedication to supporting innovative research that will save lives. We are grateful for every mile ridden and every dollar raised as we continue driving full force toward Victory Over Cancer®.”
Nine teams relayed from the west to east coast, completing approximately 225 miles each in three days before handing the ride off to the next group. However, their journeys truly began six months prior with an intensive cycling regimen. And with each rider personally impacted by cancer, their motivation to train, ride and raise funds in support of the V Foundation was personal, including for Stage 3B colorectal cancer survivor, Gina Soto.
“I was motivated to show I had the strength and determination to get through a ride like this,” said Soto. “Knowing some of the steps, hurdles and challenges I’ve faced during cancer treatment, I wanted to apply that mentally to this journey as well.”
The V Foundation is proud to mark the sixth year of this partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb. It is through valuable partnerships such as these that the V Foundation is able to continue funding grants to world-class scientists who are making breakthrough discoveries, developing new treatments and improving patient lives.
“A decade of Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer is a beacon for the relentless spirit and camaraderie of our colleagues and the cancer community,” said Catherine Owen, Senior Vice President, General Manager of U.S. Cardiovascular, Immunology, and Oncology, Bristol Myers Squibb. “We are immensely proud of everyone who supported the event and our riders who, rain or shine, put their hearts into every mile, carrying the dreams and aspirations of countless individuals hoping for more breakthroughs in cancer research by the V Foundation’s all-star scientists.”
The V Foundation holds 11 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, making the foundation among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is also a GuideStar platinum-rated charity. To learn more or to donate, please visit www.v.org.
For more information on the 2023 Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride, please visit cancerbikeride.org.
About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded over $310 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee and ad-hoc reviewers. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs. The V Foundation is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.
About Bristol Myers Squibb
Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
