Far Rockaway Man Takes on the Great Cycle Challenge
Stephen McClean, a resident of Far Rockaway, is planning to ride his bike 250 miles and raise $3,000 during the month of September for Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) in support of its 9th annual Great Cycle Challenge USA.
Founded in 2015, Great Cycle Challenge USA has grown to become one of the biggest cycling events in the country. In just eight years, over 470,000 riders from 50 states have ridden 29.8 million miles, raising more than $63 million for research and the development of better treatments and cures for childhood cancer. Great Cycle Challenge USA encourages cyclists across the United States to challenge themselves and set their own personal riding goal throughout September to fight kids’ cancer. Riders fundraise to save lives and give kids the brighter future they deserve. This year, CCRF hopes over 30,000 riders will help it raise more than $10 million.
“Over 15,000 American children are diagnosed with cancer every year and, sadly, 38 children die every week,” said Erin Cohen, Director, Events & Partnerships at Children’s Cancer Research Fund. “Thanks to riders like Stephen, we’re fueling groundbreaking research to save lives and give kids the brighter future they deserve.”
“This is the fifth time I have participated in Great Cycle Challenge,” McClean said. “During those years, rode 363 miles and raised $3,381.16. This year, I am aiming to raise $3,000 and ride 250 miles.”
Why does McClean participate each year? “Because right now, cancer is the biggest killer of children from disease in the United States. Over 15,700 children are diagnosed every year, and sadly, 38 children die of cancer every week,” McClean said. “Kids should be living life, not fighting for it. So I am raising funds through my challenge to help these kids and support Children’s Cancer Research Fund to allow them to continue their work to develop lifesaving treatments and find a cure for childhood cancer.”
Funds go to support research at leading pediatric cancer centers across America. Children’s Cancer Research Fund invests in groundbreaking research that is leading to better treatments and cures for children with cancer. CCRF also funds vital family support services and advocates for childhood cancer education and awareness.
To learn more about Stephen’s Great Cycle Challenge USA and to make a donation, please visit www.greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/StephenMcClean. To participate in Great Cycle Challenge USA, visit https://greatcyclechallenge.com.
