Fairfield Cycling Team Prepares to Hit the Road for Cancer Survivors
June 15, 2009
The Hill Busters, a group of 20 or so Fairfield cyclists, kicked off their 5th year together with a reception at the Southport Brewing Company. The group, formed for the first Connecticut Challenge in 2005, is riding together this summer in preparation for their 100-mile CT Challenge ride on July 25th.
According to co-team leader, Scott Craighead, the Hill Busters have stayed together and actually added members for two main reasons: “We’re a group of middle-aged, weekend bike warriors who love cycling, seeing our beautiful roads and beaches in and around Fairfield and sharing the camaraderie that comes with riding together. We also enjoy putting our passion for cycling to work for the Connecticut Challenge. Matt Wiant, the other Hill Busters co-team leader, said “we know we’re very fortunate to be healthy and are inspired by those whose strength and bravery has led them beyond cancer to go on and accomplish great things. We ride in the CT Challenge because we know there are others out there we can help who will benefit from the successful pathway the survivors have shown us all.” When it comes to fundraising, the Hill Busters have set the bar high. Over five years, the group has raised over $152,000 for the Connecticut Challenge, which has supported the creation of special cancer survivorship programs at several hospitals across the state, including St. Vincent’s Medical Center and Yale Cancer Center.
“To say we are proud of the Hill Busters is a huge understatement,” said John Ragland of Westport, cofounder of the CT Challenge along with Jeff Keith of Fairfield. “The money they have raised has allowed us to quickly expand our support for cancer survivorship programs, but just as importantly, their enthusiasm for cycling and for working together on behalf of the CT Challenge has set an example that many others have followed. Riding and fundraising as a team is more fun and meaningful and these guys have set the standard,” Ragland said.
The 2009 Connecticut Challenge will take place on Saturday, July 25th, starting and finishing at the Greenfield Hill Church. In five years, cyclists have raised over $2 million to improve the care of Connecticut’s 120,000 cancer survivors. “We all know people who have battled cancer with incredible courage. What we don’t often see is how these survivors may continue to struggle with the long-term effects of their disease and their treatments. By helping us to raise money to improve survivorship programs across Connecticut, our riders, volunteers and donors are making a very direct, positive impact on the cancer survivors in their lives,” said Ragland.
About the Connecticut Challenge
The Connecticut Challenge was founded in 2005 to create supportive care resources for cancer survivors in Connecticut. The organization currently supports existing or developing survivorship programs at Yale Cancer Center, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford, St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport and Stamford Hospital. The CT Challenge also provides research grants, sponsors medical symposiums and promotes survivor education and awareness events. The organization raises money primarily through the annual Connecticut Challenge charity bike ride. Scheduled for Saturday, July 25th, starting and finishing in Fairfield, CT, riders of all ages and skill levels can register for a 12, 25, 50, 75 or 100-mile ride and raise funds from personal sponsors to support their efforts. To learn more about riding, volunteering or donating to the 2009 event, please visit www.ctchallenge.org.
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