Magic City Cycliad raises over $225,000 for cancer patients

 

Birmingham AL, Cycliad
photo via Kristina O’Quinn for Bham Now

On Saturday, March 24th, more than four hundred cyclists rolled away from UAB’s Kirkland Clinic for the 4th Annual Magic City Cycliad.                              Be sure to check out the photo gallery at the end of this post!

The Deep South Cancer Foundation’s motto sums it up: “Cancer is complicated, helping is not. Sometimes it’s as easy as riding a bike!” The annual fundraiser aims to secure funding for local cancer research as well as helping with basic everyday needs of cancer patients in the southeast region.  Patient navigators identify and then provide gift debit cards for basic needs such as parking fees, meals while traveling, gas and lodging. Patient navigators are people whose job it is to help coordinate all of the care required for a person with a cancer diagnosis.

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Travis and Amanda Rush, on a spring visit from Salt Lake City. photo via Kristina O’Quinn for Bham Now

Cyclists chose between three different distance options: 30, 64, and 100 miles.  The Magic City Cycliad also included a 10 mile Brunch Crawl, where riders stopped to sample unique foods from Babalu Tapas and Tacos, Rojo, Saigon Noodle Bowl, and We Have Donuts.  They also visited other local non-profits and learn about their work within the Birmingham community. Everyone returned to Kirkland Clinic to enjoy a post-ride meal, and party, complete with a d.j. and dancing!

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photo via Kristina O’Quinn for Bham Now

This year’s cycling event had no registration costs, reducing the chance of barriers to participation. Fundraising was not required to participate, but all riders were encouraged to solicit donations.100% of all funds raised go directly to benefit the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. Corporate sponsors cover all costs of hosting the event so that every dollar raised to directly to helping local cancer patients.  Over $225,000 has been raised so far. Online fundraising efforts continue through mid-April.

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Sarah Smedley and Drew Read, executive director of the Deep South Cancer Foundation. photo via Kristina O’Quinn for Bham Now

“We are excited to build upon the Magic City Cycliad’s success of 2017,” said DSCF’s Executive Director Drew Read. “With 1.7 million new cancer diagnoses expected this year and over 70,000 cancer patients served by the UAB Network, all of us know someone who has been impacted by cancer.”

For more info on the Deep South Cancer Foundation,  visit:  https://bit.ly/2Guf2eQ

Or: http://deepsouthcancer.org/

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photo via Kristina O’Quinn for Bham Now

Check out our photo gallery of the event:

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Kristina O'Quinn
Kristina O'Quinn
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