Second Annual PNC Presents Rush to Crush Cancer Raises More than $500,000 for Cancer Research
9.10.2024
Every dollar raised stays in Pittsburgh to support UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
PITTSBURGH – Sept. 10, 2024 – The results are in! The 2nd Annual PNC Presents Rush to Crush Cancer welcomed more than 800 riders from 20 states, raising more than $500,000 for cancer research at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. The riders cycled a total of 15,630 miles while inspiring more than 4,000 charity donations.
“We’re incredibly proud of the commitment and determination of our riders as we grow this event annually,” said Elizabeth Wild, president of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “It’s inspiring to see the community come together to raise critical funds for cancer research at UPMC Hillman. We are proud to say that every dollar raised by these riders stays right in this community to support cancer research and the patients treated at UPMC Hillman.”
This year’s top fundraising teams include:
● Team Bogo - $30,304.94 (Team Captain: Chuck Bogosta)
● Hand Cycle Crushers - $21,840.85 (Team Captain: Dr. Kurt Weiss)
● Shanahan/Zureikat Cancer Crusaders - $17,234.07 (Team Captain: Dr. Amer Zureikat)
The two-day event, held May 18 and 19, began with more than 650 walkers, including cancer survivors and their families and friends who participated in the PNC Mile to Crush Cancer on the North Shore. The following day, the bike event challenged participants to ride 15-, 30- or 60-mile courses throughout Pittsburgh and surrounding communities.
“PNC Bank is proud to be the presenting sponsor of Rush to Crush Cancer benefitting UPMC Hillman Cancer Center,” said Lou Cestello, PNC regional president of Pittsburgh & Southwestern Pa. “It was inspiring to see so many members of the PNC family and broader Pittsburgh community participate at this year’s events to support cancer research and help patients treated right here in Pittsburgh.”
“I want to thank the riders and our sponsors for helping us to bring this unique event to Pittsburgh,” said Stanley Marks, MD, chairman of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “We are humbled by the support and honored that the riders in Rush to Crush include cancer survivors, their family and friends along with many of our oncologists, scientists and UPMC Hillman staff members.”
A leader in cancer research, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is one of only 57 National Cancer Institute- designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the U.S. With 76 locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland and New York, along with facilities in Ireland and Italy, UPMC Hillman is the largest integrated cancer center in the country, treating more than 180,000 patients each year.
“At UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, we bring the full strength of our entire organization to support our patients from the moment of diagnosis. It takes each and every one of us working together to crush cancer and this event is exactly that. All of us crushing cancer together,” said Wild, who completed the 15-mile ride. “We are committed to host this event annually and make it a destination event for the Pittsburgh region.”
Registration for the 2025 Rush to Crush Cancer will open in Fall 2024. For more information, follow Rush to Crush Cancer on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for important updates and event information.
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About Rush to Crush Cancer
Rush to Crush Cancer is a community-based event that will impact cancer research and improve lives. It’s not a race but rather a ride bringing people together to pedal, partner, and participate to help raise critical funds for UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, a leader in cancer research and patient care. The event includes three ride distances and many ways to get involved. There also is a survivors walk for those who have been impacted by cancer. Read more at www.rushtocrushcancer.org.
FACEBOOK: @RushtoCrushCancer INSTAGRAM: @RushtoCrushCancer X: @R2C_Cancer
Contact: Cyndy Patton | Mobile: 412-415-6085 | E-mail: PattonC4@upmc.edu