Chainbreaker Bike Ride Delivers nearly $1.4 million for Cancer Research at Masonic Cancer Center in its first year

MINNEAPOLIS and ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, received a check for $1.389 million for cancer research from the inaugural Chainbreaker bike ride that took place in August, 2017.

Chainbreaker, a cycling and fundraising event which directs 100% of rider-raised funds to research at the Masonic Cancer Center, attracted 1,021 riders, 400 volunteers, and 9,775 donors to the first ever event.

The Masonic Cancer Center, in collaboration with research deans from the University of Minnesota schools of Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Veterinary Medicine, Public Health, and Dentistry, determined that these funds will be put towards one of the most promising areas of research for cancer – studying the relationship between cancer and the microorganisms we live with.

"Solving the problem of cancer requires teamwork and we're so grateful that so many people in our community wanted to be part of the team," said Douglas Yee, MD, Director of the Masonic Cancer Center. "The transformative support from Chainbreaker will be used to build research teams focused on understanding how microorganisms in our environment, viruses and bacteria, cause cancer in order to find better prevention strategies. We will also study how these microorganisms can be 'turned' to serve as cancer treatments."

The check was presented at the Chainbreaker18 "Gear Up Party," held at Surly Brewing Company, which included a private performance by Martin Zellar and the Hardways.

About the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota
Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota is a Comprehensive Cancer Center designated by the National Cancer Institute. For more than 25 years, researchers, educators, and care providers have worked to discover the causes, prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer and cancer-related disease. Learn more at cancer.umn.edu.

About Chainbreaker
A community linked together by passion to End Cancer, Chainbreaker was established to fund life-saving research at the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota. Chainbreaker is more than just an event….Chainbreaker is an experience; it's a year-round mindset with activities building throughout the year, that culminate in a three-day celebration of cycling, entertainment, and volunteerism. Chainbreaker18 is August 10-12, 2018. A key brand attribute, Chainbreaker proudly directs 100% of all rider-raised donations to cancer research. Join our community by registering to Ride or volunteer at ChainbreakerRide.org.

Contact:
Max Huber
Communications and Marketing Manager
Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota
612-624-5005
mjhuber@umn.edu

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SOURCE Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota