News & Media

PNC Bank Named Title Sponsor of Rush to Crush Cancer

PNC Presents Rush to Crush Cancer benefitting UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is expected to inspire hundreds of participants to raise millions for innovative cancer research

PITTSBURGH (Jan. 19, 2023) – Rush to Crush Cancer has announced that Pittsburgh-based PNC Bank has been named title sponsor of the inaugural Rush to Crush Cancer bike ride benefitting UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. The biking event, launching May 20, 2023, will bring people to pedal, partner and participate to help raise critical funds for UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, a global leader in cancer research and patient care.

Through the sponsorship, PNC’s goal is to help establish Rush to Crush Cancer as one of the region’s premier cycling events to help raise awareness and funding to support research and development for cutting-edge cancer treatments. In addition to being title sponsor of the event through 2025, PNC Bank also will sponsor a related walk for survivors and supporters for those who have been impacted by cancer, which will occur May 19, 2023 to kick off the ride weekend.

“It is an honor to serve as title sponsor for Rush to Crush Cancer, a new, exciting event that is sure to bring people together and foster health and wellness in our region,” said Lou Cestello, PNC regional president of Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pa. “Cancer has affected everyone’s life in one way or another. We are fortunate to have a world-renowned institution like UPMC Hillman located here in Pittsburgh, and PNC is proud to support their innovative, life-saving work.”

The 2023 PNC Bank Presents Rush to Crush Cancer will offer participants the option to ride 15-, 40- or 60-mile bike routes throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities.

“We are thrilled that PNC Bank, a long-time valued partner of UPMC Hillman, has joined us on this next chapter of our mission to better understand, diagnose, treat and prevent cancer,” said Elizabeth Wild, president of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “Through their support, Rush to Crush Cancer will become a signature event in our region and lead us to reach new heights in cancer research.”

Once registered, participants can create a personalized page, choose their route length, form teams and determine their fundraising commitment. Most importantly, 100% of every rider dollar raised goes directly to cancer research at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

“Every rider-raised dollar will go to investing in the work that promises to unlock a future without cancer,” said Robert Ferris, M.D., Ph.D., director of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “Not only will Rush to Crush Cancer support research in the laboratories, but it will also create a new way for the greater community to engage with our cancer center while providing the resources to help us better serve the region’s health care needs.”

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and one of just 53 such centers in the U.S. There are more than 140,000 individuals who receive cancer treatment annually at one of the more than 70 cancer centers in the Hillman network.   

“What began in Pittsburgh in 1985 as a local research facility has now become a world-renowned regional and international network of cancer experts using the latest technologies to deliver better patient outcomes,” said Stanley Marks, M.D., chairman of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “Rush to Crush Cancer will allow us to continue making advances through groundbreaking research to benefit those whose lives have been impacted by cancer.”  

To register for the event or to donate, visit rushtocrushcancer.org. Follow Rush to Crush Cancer on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for important updates and event information.

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Story contact:  Kelsey Emch, P3R Public Relations Specialist, 417-425-9400 or kelsey.emch@P3R.org

About Rush to Crush Cancer

Rush to Crush Cancer is a community-based bike ride that aims to impact cancer research and improve lives. Participants will come together to raise critical funds for UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, a global leader in cancer research and patient care. The inaugural event will take place May 20, 2023.

FACEBOOK: /rushtocrushcancer
INSTAGRAM: @rushtocrushcancer
TWITTER: @r2c_cancer

About UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center connects patients to the integrated expertise of leading clinicians, academic researchers, specialty programs and treatment centers. By partnering with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the region, is accelerating the breakthroughs from the lab to clinical practice around the world. UPMC - nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for excellence in cancer care - has more than 70 cancer treatment locations throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and Maryland as well as centers in Ireland and Italy. Backed by the collective strength of UPMC, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center provides leading-edge treatments and the latest in clinical investigations to transform cancer research, care and prevention—one patient at a time.

FACEBOOK: @UPMCHillmanCancerCenter      
INSTAGRAM: @upmchillmancancercenter   
TWITTER: @UPMCHillmanCC

PNC Bank

PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

About P3R

P3R is the engine behind Pittsburgh’s greatest races. We strive to inspire any and all to MOVE with us. Best known for organizing the acclaimed annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R runs a variety of other high-quality races, events, and health and fitness programs throughout the Pittsburgh region. While many of our races attract some of the nation’s highest-profile professional athletes, we offer activities for all ages and ability levels. Anyone and everyone is invited to #RUNwithP3R! Read more at: P3R.org

FACEBOOK: RUNwithP3R 
INSTAGRAM: RUNwithP3R 
TWITTER: @RUNwithP3R