This is the 4th year I am participating in Cycle for Survival and the 3rd year we will have an eight person Erica Finds team. Here are my recaps from 2013 and 2014.
To step back a bit, I will tell you about about Cycle for Survival, why I participate and encourage others to, as well. I remember reading an article about Jennifer Goodman Linn in 2008 or 2009 when the ride was being promoted. She was a lot like me when she discovered she had a rare cancer in 2004. She was a woman in her 30s living in NYC, married and making her way in the business world. At age 33, she was diagnosed with a rare cancer, called sarcoma. She was given a 50/50 chance of survival. She was encouraged and lifted up by her friends and especially people the she worked out with. I could relate to that!
Jennifer Linn founded Cycle for Survival in 2007 with Equinox gym in New York City. It was a grass-roots program inspired by her love for cycling and the encouragement she found among her gym buddies. Today, thousands of cyclists team up each year with friends, family and coworkers to ride against cancer. And the event has grown from 1 location and $250,000 raised to over $54 million and dozens of rides through 2014.
So why do I participate? Everyone is touched by cancer and “rare cancers” are not so rare. Did you know that 50% of all diagnosed cancers are considered rare? Rare cancers include brain, pancreatic, cervical, sarcoma, stomach, pediatric cancers and many others. 100% of money raised goes to Memorial Sloan Kettering and more than $58.6 million has been raised to date, directly funding clinical trials and research studies that bring new hope to countless lives touched by rare cancers. That is reason enough. Another reason I ride and raise money for this event is to honor the spirit and fearlessness of Jennifer Linn. Her company was called “You Fearless.” She was dealt a bad hand and she took every measure to win. People always tell me that I would do that same in her situation. I hope that I never have to find out, but I am not sure how true it is. I hope so, too. Jennifer Linn lost her battle to cancer in July of 2011. She was 40 year old. Her legacy lives on with these amazing events and all of the lives she touched. Read this post by her husband, David Linn, from the Huffington Post and watch her video. (Warning: have a Kleenex handy!)
I decided to add a raffle to my fundraising this year. Why? Why not? Plus, I love to give things away and I have a backlog of awesome things to giveaway! A win-win.
The Prizes:
1. Fitbit Zip winner Adria G-B! – They say, “Get Fit. Have Fun. Zip makes fitness fun by tracking steps, distance, and calories burned then automatically sync the data to your Fitbit account.” Whether online or through the Fitbit App, you can set goals, track progress, earn badges or connect with friends for support or friendly competitions. Your stats upload wirelessly via computer or select mobile devices. ($59.99)
2. Bliss Spa Goodies – winner Deb G. Lemon Sage Body Scrub ($36), Fat Girl Soap ($19) and Grapefruit and Aloe Body Butter ($29) Share in my Gilt City Bliss Spa shopping haul. Got these products with my massage and a Gilt City deal!
3. Fabletics Accessories – winner Beth D.- Water Bottle, 3 pack of socks, headband and hair ties. ($25) I won these in a giveaway and you can, too!
4. Feed 10 Zip Pouch – winner Maureen R. Perfect for travel or to hold accessories. Allison and I won these at the Run10Feed10 – learn more about Feed Projects HERE. ($25)
5. XX2i US1 Pro Sunglasses – winner Kathy J. (I won these in a raffle) US1 Pro sunglasses come with one sunglass (black onyx with red flash lens) and two sets of spare lenses (clear and orange). Includes a tank protector case and one microfiber soft carrying bag that can also be used as a cleaning cloth. Perfect for running, cycling, golfing or just about any activity that requires the sunglasses to stay on your face and remain fog free. ($89.99)
6. Roosport Pocket – winner Jeff F. – Now you can carry everything you need when you walk, jog, run, or workout! Carry your credit card, cash, keys, smart phone, and accessories! Holds everything you need, nothing you don’t! New design holds large phones and up to 6 gels! ($26.99)
Bonus Prizes:
7. Try The World Paris Box ($50.00)– Winner Tanya P. – awesome goodies from France including 7 gourmet products and a culture guide including local recipes.
8. Deux Lux – Tate Wallet Winner Jen Y. ($65.00) – it’s vegan and really cool!
9. Runner Goodies – Winner David D. including Injinji socks, Lucy headband, Fitletics waist pouch, Strutz, Tegan arm sleeves by Asics, Energy Bits, various fuels and an awesome key chain from Ivonne Mosquera-Schmitt’s fundraiser. (Over $50 in value)
10. Another BONUS prize from my friends at Ohyo Bottle: Winner Susie – One Ohyo 1000 ml and one Ohyo 500 ml “collapsabottle” – Collapsible bottles – perfect for hiking, biking, camping, flying, the gym or going to school! ($30 value)
As an alternate, I will offer a health food gift pack or runner goodies gift pack with items of $30+ value as I realize that these prizes are targeted to females and/or runners.
HOW TO ENTER a/k/a THE RULES:
1. Donate $10 or more to Cycle for Survival. It is a 501(c)3 organization so your donation is tax deductible!
2. For every $10 you donate, you will receive one entry into the raffle. ($50=5 entries and so on) I will keep a tally with each donation in order of the notification of receipt. If you have already donated this year, you are on the list! If you donate to one of my teammates or to the team in general, you also get one entry for every $10. Just leave a comment and tell me that you donated and to whom.
3. Please leave a comment on this post when you donate, so that I can add you to the list!
4. Want extra chances? Please share this post on FB, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or email (and leave a comment telling me you did and where). One entry per share!
5. All tapped out at the moment, have other commitments or don’t want to donate, but still want an entry? Leave me a comment with some encouragement for the team/for my event! (ooh and please “like” my Facebook Page, if you have not already!)
6. I will pick the winners with Random Number Generator at the end of the day on Sunday, February 22nd and announce them when the winners have been notified.
7. Entrants must be in the US or have a US postal intermediary, over 18 and void where prohibited.
8. One prize per winner. Winner selects prize in order of draw.
Please consider supporting Cycle for Survival and remember that you have to be “in it to win it”!
Please note: These prizes were furnished by me. I won some in other giveaways and some were purchased by me. Cycle for Survival is not affiliated with this raffle.