From the January 2008 issue of UCHC e-link
After having a successful inaugural event last year, the 2008 CIGNA Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride (Sunday, June 8, in Simsbury, Conn.) will have much more in store for the riders, according to newly elected UConn Health Center event co-chairs, Barbara Treadwell and Joyce Fritz. The pair are hoping for an even greater participation from UCHC staff.
More than 300 riders, including teams from UCHC and the UConn Foundation, are expected to participate in this year’s ride, which again supports the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center and Coaches vs. Cancer, a program of the American Cancer Society. The event raised more than $150,000 to support the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2007.
Co-chairs Barbara Treadwell and Joyce Fritz of UCHC have even bigger expectations for this year’s ride.
“I’m not a doctor, and I don’t do research. I’m a regular mom. But this event is how I can put in my full share in the fight against cancer,” says Treadwell. “Everyone’s affected by cancer, and this is something we all can do to work toward a cure.”
The ride is open to everyone who wants to join Coach Calhoun in the fight against cancer. Riders from across the Northeast are expected to participate. There will be rides of 10, 25 and 50 miles.
Fritz, an avid amateur cyclist who regularly rides more than eight miles to work at the Health Center, volunteered for the co-chair leadership role after participating in the 2007 ride.
“It was a great honor when Dr. Runowicz asked me to be a co-chair. I want to make sure that we do a good job of recognizing our riders and our teams,” she says. “The way that things get done is for people to step up and do them, and I’m looking forward to doing that. We should be proud that we can sponsor such a wonderful event to raise money for cancer, and one way we can do that is by having a strong team from the Health Center itself.”
"Joyce and Barbara personify the spirit that keeps Coach Calhoun involved in the fight against cancer,” says Carolyn D. Runowicz, M.D., director of the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center and a cancer survivor. “We are extremely grateful for their hard work, and know they’re going to lead a fantastic event. Private philanthropy like this is absolutely essential to the work we do at the Health Center every day in our search for a cure."
The co-chairs are already actively soliciting donations for the ride. Fritz was the Health Center's top fundraiser and hopes to exceed her totals of last year while Treadwell has already matched the amount she raised last year. She says she has a personal mission to raise as much money as possible.
“Because cancer affects so many families, including my own, I’m especially committed to supporting this. I don’t plan on wasting a day between now and June 8.”
For more information about the CIGNA Calhoun Cancer Challenge ride, please visit the event’s Web site at http://www.calhounride.com, or contact the Office of Development & Almuni Relations at 860.679.1122.
For more information about alumni and development news at the UConn Health Center, please contact:
Office of Development and Alumni Relations
10 Talcott Notch Road, Suite 100
Farmington, CT 06032
860.679.1122
supportuchc@foundation.uconn.edu
