Philadelphia Bike-A-Thon

We want to take a moment to recognize, congratulate, and most importantly thank our Top 10 Fundraisers for the 2024 ACS Bike-A-Thon!! Thank you to Bob Braverman, Emil Skobeloff, Mark Feinman, William Turchin, Sue Ehlinger, Perry Benson, Basile Kanaris, Bob Worthington, Tony Marchionne, and Mitchell Kaminski. Each of these individuals has raised over $9,000 to help end cancer as we know it, for everyone. THANK YOU and congratulations on your awe-inspiring accomplishments, we appreciate you!!

Today is World Cancer Research Day. Without research we would not be ending cancer as we know it, for everyone. Did you know you can see what ACS funded research is happening in your home state? Check it out here: https://www.cancer.org/research/currently-funded-cancer-research/research-grants-by-state.html

Yesterday ACS Bike-A-Thon staff partner Darwsia, along with members of our organizing committee attended the Relay for Life of Philadelphia Hope Lodge! This night was extra special as during the evening they unveiled the new Tree of Life at the Philadelphia Hope Lodge.

Each leave on the Tree of Life represents a treasured relationship. They symbolize the people we love, and represent our shared vision of a cancer-free future. Our ACS Bike-A-Thon committee was able to come together and make a donation to have not one, but two leaves on the tree. Thank you to our ACS Bike-A-Thon members who were out in the community to show we are all working together to help end cancer as we know it, for everyone. 🌳♥️

Today is Wednesday and we are sharing the story of rider Charles O'Hala, Team Captain of Team Boop's Troops.

"17 years ago, I started my relationship with ACS through this event. It began as a fitness challenge at age 40, as well as a way to bond with those who dared to tackle this killer 66-mile ride to the shore with me while supporting a "good cause." Unfortunately, like so many of you, my relationship with cancer became far more personal.

It struck my family hard in early 2017 when we got the news my mom, Elizabeth "Betty Boop" O'Hala had Stage 4 Uterine Cancer. She fought hard, but a Stroke several months into her treatments significantly derailed her fight. We were forced to say goodbye to her in late June of that same year. My mom was a super-energetic and youthful 73-year-old woman who had many great years ahead of her. Cancer deprived us of her unforgettable presence and many amazing gifts. I miss her dearly.

In October 2021, I received a call that still to this day I cannot process. My younger brother, Michael O'Hala, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer - HER2 Breast Cancer of all damn things. Now nobody, and I mean NOBODY, deserves to get cancer, but in a "forced ranking" situation, Mike would've been top of the list of least deserving. After a lifetime dedicated to the service and support of others (especially his family), Mike should've been reaping the benefits of his hard work by enjoying his version of "retirement" anyway he wanted. Instead, He had to embrace the challenge set in front of him fighting like the mentally and physically tough beast we all knew him to be. If the original diagnosis wasn't bad enough, he later learned he had Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer. No matter how hard he fought, he couldn't get a break. Unfortunately, on December 2nd of this past year he was taken from us leaving a void that will never be filled. I miss him dearly.

As a member of the newly formed "Boop's Troops", I along with my son, my daughter and her boyfriend, are riding with this purpose. We want to raise as much money as possible to support and sustain critical cancer research while providing services for people trying to cope with their cancer experience. Hopefully through all of our efforts we will all get to experience more precious time with the loved ones that cancer too often steals from us."

Charles thank you for sharing a story that unfortunately so many can relate to. I know Elizabeth and Michael are with you and team Boop's Troops in spirit, as they still live on to inspire hope and make a difference. ❤

Don't miss out! There is still time to grab your favorite apparel from year's past at runsignup.com/TicketEvent/BATStore. Take advantage and grab a cycling jersey, shorts, or cap to wear out on your training rides leading up to the 2025 ride. All proceeds from the store benefit ACS Bike-A-Thon and the American Cancer Society.

🚨Calling all Team Captains 🚨

Is your team registered for 2025? Don't wait, make sure your teammates take advantage of the $50 registration fee and join the 600+ riders already registered for next year!

Share out the link for them to register at tinyurl.com/BATREG2025.

Today is and we wanted to highlight that September is prostate cancer awareness month!

Did you know nearly 2/3 of men 55-69 are not being screened for prostate cancer?
At age 50, men at average risk should talk to their health care provider to make an informed decision about prostate cancer screening. Men at ​high risk of developing prostate cancer, including African American individuals who have a first degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer ​younger than age 65, should talk to a doctor at age 45. Cancer screening is for people without symptoms. Screening tests can catch cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.

Know your score. Talk to a doctor about prostate cancer screening. Visit cancer.org/getscreened to learn more and find a screening location near you.

We had a fantastic day out supporting and participating in the Foster 100 ride!! We had a great group of both riders and volunteers from ACS Bike-A-Thon showing our support for other cycling events and nonprofits in our community. Thank you Team Foster for the important work you do and for allowing us to be apart of this awesome day! 🚴🐶♥️

We are officially at the start of the 2025 ACS Bike-A-Thon season!! 🥳

To set our riders up for success and jumpstart their fundraising, we've created a fundraising guide! This guide has all the information you could need such as matching gifts, email templates, flyers and data to share, and tons of ideas to get your creative fundraising juices flowing.

To find this guide head to our website tinyurl.com/BATREG2025 and scroll to the bottom of the front page under the "Forms & Documents" section. From here the guide is titled ACS BAT Fundraising Guide. Any questions please reach out to [email protected].

We want to kick-off September by saying THANK YOU to everyone who has helped us raise over $1.1 million in 2024 for the American Cancer Society. It is with heartfelt gratitude we let you know how thankful we are for everyone's dedication, passion, and hard work to help us reach this milestone! Because of your efforts we will help provide critical support, groundbreaking research, and reliable information to cancer patients and their families.

Already looking forward to the impact we will achieve together in 2025! 💙🚴❤

With our 2024 fundraising deadline approaching tomorrow we want to take a moment to say THANK YOU! Thank you to everyone still asking and collecting last minute donations to help us raise over $1.1 million for the ACS Bike-A-Thon!! We cannot wait to share more messages of thanks and about the impact your donations have as we head into September.

Please note if you've mailed in a check, as long as it is post-marked prior to 8/31 it will still be counted towards 2024 fundraising.

We hope you all have a safe, healthy and fun long-weekend as we kick-off a new month and season!! 🎃💛

Are you registered to ride the ACS Bike-A-Thon on June 1, 2025? Head to tinyurl.com/BATREG2025 to join us now while registration is only $50!

When you ride Bike-A-Thon, you become a part of the American Cancer Society's Team DetermiNation. This is our endurance program, spanning a variety of sports including cycling, running, hiking, yoga, and more. The collective efforts of the dedicated athletes and staff partners who use their fortitude to help raise funds to take down cancer are nothing short of amazing.

We have two DetermiNation staff partners who participated and fundraised for Bike-A-Thon the past two years! PA Hope Ride staff partner Stephanie White and DetermiNation Philly run staff partner Jillian Pereira both took part in the fun this year. We are beyond fortunate to have their passion and support joining us in our vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. 🚴❤

It's Friday and you know what that means, it's time for another tip!! 🤪

When asking for donations, make sure you are utilizing our tangible statements. Your donors want to know where their money is going, and how they are making an impact. Use language such as "Will you donate $50 to support the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery Program? or will you donate $10 to support the American Cancer Society's 27/7 help hotline?" This will help your donors visualize how their donation is improving the lives of cancer patients and their families.

No donation is too small to make an impact in helping to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

While we are in the final push of fundraising for the 2024 Bike-A-Thon, we wanted to share the story of last year’s rider number 10. She is extremely proud of that number, as it is her highest achievement in 19 years of riding and fundraising. Your donations have IMPACT and this story she shared with her donors truly shows you never know when or where you will encounter someone who is thankful for your fundraising efforts:

“I want to tell you a story. At the end of Bike-A-Thon there’s a fenced-in area where riders can rest, get a meal, get a shower, get a t-shirt, etc. And when we leave this area, we must present our numbered wrist band and show the number on our bikes and show that the numbers match. This is to ensure that no one leaves with someone else’s bike. At the exit gate the volunteer checking numbers did a double take when he saw my number. He pointed to my wrist band and said, “Thank you. I know what that means.” And then he looked me in the eye, folded his hands together and bowed a bit and repeated, “Thank you.” This man clearly had a very personal reason to be so grateful for your donations. His gratitude belongs to all of you, not me, so I am passing it on to you. From everyone dealing with cancer and from me, thank you so much, all of you.”

Grateful for you, Rider #10! Thank you and your donors for all you do to help end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

Missed out on merch from year's past years? We've got your covered! Our Bike-A-Thon fire sale is now live, you can check it at runsignup.com/TicketEvent/BATStore. Get your favorite vintage Bike-A-Thon and DetermiNation looks for less to benefit ACS Bike-A-Thon and the American Cancer Society. From cycling caps, to jerseys, down to the socks and more, you can showcase your .

How will you challenge yourself this fall? 100 days to go until Philly Marathon Weekend. Will you join our team? Whether 8K, 13.1 miles, or 26.2, we'd love to have you.

Register at www.acsdetermination.org/philly

There is still two weeks left to fundraise for the 2024 ACS Bike-A-Thon! We are currently the #1 fundraising cycling event for the American Cancer Society but the Pan Ohio Hope Ride is nipping at our heels. Get your donations in before the deadline so we can continue our streak to remain the #1 fundraising cycling event for ACS! 🚴🚴‍♀️

Did you know we have a DetermiNation resource site that recognizes Top Performers and events? Check out tinyurl.com/determinationleaderboards to see who from ACS Bike-A-Thon is being recognized and to keep the competitive streak going!

Our dedicated and enthusiastic ACS Bike-A-Thon committee met last night to celebrate the success of our 2024 ride!! It was a fantastic evening to get together and hear how everyone's summer has been. They feel the positive energy and feedback from 2024 and are more than ready and beyond excited to get to work planning the 2025 ride!

Are you registered for next year? Join us now at tinyurl.com/BATREG2025

Introducing our BRAND NEW DetermiNation Community Call Series! The call will take place THIS THURSDAY, August 15th! If you are looking to connect with fellow DetermiNation participants, want to meet staff partners from across all DetermiNation events, hear some fundraising tips, and maybe hear about the ACS mission at work then look no further than this call! In every organized call, participants will be able to connect with one another, hear inspiring stories, get great fundraising tips, hear from staff, and most importantly, hear about our life-saving work.

On Thursday, August 15th from 7pm-7:45pm EST, please join our first ever DetermiNation Community Call Series! In this call, participants will hear from a number of staff members, volunteers, and participants. Our August call will specifically highlight and discuss the work ACS is doing in health equity and our new study, VOICES of Black Women.

To join, be sure to use the following information to join the Zoom call: https://zoom.us/j/95726750564?pwd=kMWgtEzd23XBnSKfuWlARVrJNbyQYB.1
Meeting ID: 957 2675 0564
Passcode: 921628

We hope to see you there! ☺️

With summer in full swing, there are plenty of fun activities you can use as fundraising ideas for Bike-A-Thon! Now is the perfect time to turn your favorite warm-weather activity into an opportunity to give back! Here are some summer fundraising ideas where you can get the whole family involved. You can throw a co****le, minigolf, or sandcastle contest, host a yard sale or car wash, or host a lemonade or ice cream stand. The only limit is your imagination so have fun with fundraising!

It is with heartfelt gratitude we thank the city of Ventnor for allowing us to host Bike-A-Thon at Ski Beach! Our riders got to experience the beautiful views of the bay, be cheered on by the police and neighborhood residents, enjoy a community feeling at the endpoint, all while safety was kept as the number one priority. From all of us here at Bike-A-Thon THANK YOU and we cannot wait to return on June 1, 2025! 🌞⛱❤

Not registered yet? Head to acsbike.org and join us while registration is only $50!

August is here and the summer heat just keeps on coming! We want to make sure you're staying hydrated, fueled, and safe while enjoying some scenic summer rides. 😎

For more information on safety tips for cycling in the heat check out the article posted from bikeradar.com: www.bikeradar.com/advice/fitness-and-training/cycling-in-hot-weather