This Saturday, Feb. 8, the annual Cycle for Survival will take place at Equinox clubs in 13 cities across the country, including three in the Los Angeles area. The daylong indoor ride raises money for cancer research, specifically rare cancers, for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
"The research that they're doing trickles down to all the hospitals throughout the country," said survivor Keith Ayers, who's been cancer-free for 11 years.
Ayers had Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. After chemo, radiation and then surgery, he's a big supporter of the event.
"I'll be at the event this Saturday cycling and pedaling hard for as long as I can," said Ayers.
The money raised goes to the most promising research and clinical trials, and is allocated within six months of the events, which helps supporters see their ability to make an impact.
"My team raised several thousand dollars -- I'm responsible for one of those thousands of dollars -- and we're really looking forward to it," said Equinox instructor Jill Brown.
Since 2007, over $40 million has been raised to fund 85 clinical trials. This year over 16,000 riders will participate.
"We'll have over 200 teams, and teams are made up of anywhere from four to eight riders," said Jack Gannon, Equinox's regional vice president.
The event will be held Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Equinox clubs in West L.A., South Bay and Irvine. You can join a group, donate or just cheer the cyclists on -- check out more information at www.cycleforsurvival.org!
