NMDP Cycle Kicks Off Nationwide Cycling Events Giving Hope to Patients in Need of a Blood Stem Cell Transplant
March 29 2024 - 11:19AM
NMDPSM Cycle (formerly Be The Match® Tour de TC) kicks off March 30
on a six-ride tour throughout the country to raise funds to help
remove barriers to treatment for patients in need of a blood stem
cell transplant. Starting with a trek across Texas to catch the
solar eclipse in Austin, the remaining five rides include a trip
through wine country in Napa, California, rides in the Midwest and
a tour along the shores of the upper East Coast. By raising funds,
NMDP Cycle helps more patients access cell therapy treatments for
up to 75 different blood cancers, including leukemia, or blood
disorders such as sickle cell disease.
Each of the six rides present varying degrees of difficulty and
allow up to 25 participating cyclists. With an annual fundraising
goal of $300,000, riders will join alongside transplant recipients,
donors, physicians and other NMDP supporters. These rides will help
fund patient assistance grants, research to improve transplant
outcomes, and fuel the growth of the NMDP Registry. In 2023, the
NMDP Foundation provided $5.6 million in grants to 2,600 patients
and their families in need of financial assistance. Last year NMDP
Cycle raised more than $200,000 and 33 cyclists rode 1,990
miles.
"I am alive today because of the selfless act of a blood stem
cell donor,” said Bob Falkenberg, founder of the NMDP cycling
program. “I started biking when I first began my healing journey
post-transplant and quickly realized I could use my passion to help
others. This year, I will ride more than 3,000 miles all to raise
funds and awareness towards the mission of NMDP.”
After receiving a leukemia diagnosis and blood stem cell
transplant in 2009, Falkenberg progressed from barely being able to
walk to cycling in 100-mile races. He began cycling to
fundraise for NMDP, would stop at transplant centers along the way,
inspiring both hospital staff and patients. Through his passion and
dedication, Bob’s good goes a long way through the NMDP Cycle
campaign, through which Bob has raised more than $150,000 and
cycled over 25,000 miles – more than the circumference of the
globe.
“Bob is an inspiration, and we are so grateful for his vision
and dedication to offering hope and resources to transplant
patients in need. His efforts to fundraise and bring awareness to
NMDP have benefited so many people in need of lifesaving cell
therapy,” said Joy King, Chief Advancement Officer, NMDP. “We
expect this year’s NMDP Cycle events to be bigger than ever and are
excited to offer rides of varying levels so anyone can participate
and join this powerful movement.”
Supporters can register to participate in the events or make
donations to support the riders and the patient community by
visiting NMDP.org/ride:
Eclipse Over Texas (Start in El Paso; Finish in
Austin) –March 30 – April 8, 2024Napa Wine Country
(Daily rides out of Napa) – May 12-17, 2024Milwaukee vs.
Chicago (Start and finish in either Milwaukee or Chicago)–
June 22-23, 2024Boston Coastal Tour (Start and
Finish in Boston) – July 14-20, 2024 Ride
Pennsylvania (Start in Pittsburgh; Finish in Philadelphia)
– August 3-10, 2024Minneapolis One-Day (Start and
finish in Minneapolis) – Date TBD.
Thanks in part to fundraising, NMDP has made monumental strides
in accelerating progress and expanding access to treatment. The
organization recently unveiled breakthrough research that will
allow more patients with blood cancer or blood disorders to receive
life-saving cell therapy.
About NMDPSMAt NMDPSM, we
believe each of us holds the key to curing blood cancers and
disorders. As a global nonprofit leader in cell therapy, NMDP
creates essential connections between researchers and supporters to
inspire action and accelerate innovation to find life-saving cures.
With the help of blood stem cell donors from the world’s most
diverse registry and our extensive network of transplant partners,
physicians and caregivers, we’re expanding access to treatment so
that every patient can receive their life-saving cell therapy.
NMDP. Find cures. Save lives.
Contact:
Erin Bix
NMDP
917-204-6355
ebix@nmdp.org