On Sunday, January 31st, I will be in New York City to participate in Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's (MSKCC) Cycle for Survival event. This is the fourth year for Cycle for Survival, an indoor cycling fundraiser that benefits rare cancer research at MSKCC.
Being born and raised in New York, I know first hand the good work that MSKCC does on a daily basis. Unfortunately, it seems as if everyone is affected in one way or another by the disease, and I am no different. I have a personal connection to the disease -- as I've had many friends and family afflicted by rare cancer and it is never easy.
A good friend of mine gave me a call and let me know about this event and asked if I would be involved on a higher level, and that is what I hope to do. I'll be participating at both Graybar and the 5th Avenue Equinox locations, and have heard a lot of good things about this event and look forward to it.
As I have become more involved, I was surprised to learn that over half of all cancers are considered rare. However rare cancers receive far less funding for research than more common forms of the disease, resulting in few opportunities to make new discoveries, so anything we can do to lend a hand is a good thing.
Not only will we be raising money, I also hear the event is a lot of fun. Though I'm retired from the NBA, I still work out everyday. I hear they have some really good, tough cycling instructors at the gym so I look forward to the workout and hearing some of the inspirational stories from the other riders.
I hope to see all of you this Sunday along with my friends and family in full support of Cycle for Survival. I thank the great people of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center who have been there for my friends and family. You have really made a difference.
I urge everyone to not put this off and not forget about it, but to get involved and make a small difference today. You can do so by donating to www.cycleforsurvival.org or by texting CYCLE to 90999 to donate $10 to Cycle for Survival. You know what they say, every dollar counts.
For more information on the event please go to www.cycleforsurvival.org