The Duke Cancer Institute (DCI) hosted the inaugural Duke Rides event on Sat., Oct. 3. Members of the Department of Surgery and their teams together raised more than $140,000, and the DCI raised more than $669,000 total for the Duke Cancer Fund in support of cancer research and treatment at Duke.
Duke Rides is “an indoor cycling fundraiser that fuels life-changing cancer patient care and research at Duke while celebrating the resilience of patients and survivors, honoring the dedication of their care teams, and recognizing the loved ones who stand beside them every step of the way.”
Gathered at Wilson Recreation Center, riders were led by Revel Durham for fun, short rides that catered to all fitness levels.
Participants from the Department of Surgery included faculty, researchers, and students and trainees representing multiple divisions and disciplines, as well as Surgery leadership and central administration.
Top Teams
Led by Laura Rosenberger, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery, team PHYTR Nation was the #2 overall fundraising team, raising a total of $69,750 in support of the Phyllodes Tumor Research Lab (PHYTR), which is dedicated to advancing the understanding of phyllodes—rare and aggressive breast cancers.
GI Multi-D, led by team captain Michael Lidsky, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery, was the #3 team, raising $40,905 towards supporting the full spectrum of gastrointestinal cancer research at Duke.
Pedaling for Panc, led by team captain Emily Bolch, came in at #4 overall, with a total of $30,025 raised in support of pancreatic cancer treatment, support, identification, and research.
“I am very proud of the Duke Surgery faculty, staff, and trainees that took part in Duke Rides,” said Dr. Allen. “This was a phenomenal way for the Duke Cancer Institute to bring together members of the Duke community for an important cause, and the funds raised by and for our teams will support essential research, treatment, and care for our patients and their families.”
Thank you to all members of the Department of Surgery who rode, fundraised, donated, and supported Duke Rides!