Cary, N.C. [October 27, 2022] – Over 126 Bristol Myers Squibb employees have completed the company’s 9th annual cross-country ride known as Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer (C2C4C) and, including a $500,000 match from Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY), have raised over $1.5 million for the V Foundation to fund cutting-edge cancer research. Beginning in Cannon Beach, Oregon and ending in Long Branch, New Jersey, the annual ride covers nearly 3,000 miles over 27 days and gives employees the opportunity to come together in the fight against cancer.
The event, which launched with a group of oncology employees in 2014, has grown into a staple tradition for the New Jersey-based biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. The V Foundation became the beneficiary of the ride in 2018, and the event has raised more than $8 million for the organization over the past five years.
“Our partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb for the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer ride is an opportunity to bring hope to the millions of patients and families affected by cancer each year,” said Shane Jacobson, Chief Executive Officer at the V Foundation. “These incredible riders committed to months of training and fundraising for a cause greater than themselves, and because of their dedication, we are funding groundbreaking research that will improve treatments and save lives. We are grateful to the entire Bristol Myers Squibb team for uniting with us as one team for victory over cancer.”
Many of the C2C4C riders fought their own battles with the terrible disease, while others rode in honor of friends and family. As impactful as the funds raised for cancer research are, the “Why I Ride” stories from employees expressing the joy and catharsis they experienced as part of the community bound together to accomplish this cross-country journey.
For Bristol Myers Squibb employee Manual Almario, it was a chance to honor his wife, Theresa, who he lost to endometrial cancer in early 2022, his father and all cancer patients and caregivers. This ride was a meaningful opportunity for him to raise money to fund research in support of the V Foundation so that no family experiences these losses.
“Cancer doesn’t discriminate. You can be hit with the disease no matter your age, race or gender. You don’t expect it, but it could happen to you,” said Almario. “I can’t control cancer, but one thing I can control is my ability to move forward, be optimistic, and educate patients and caregivers that there is hope through science and innovation.”
The V Foundation is an ideal match for C2C4C because of its commitment to ensure that 100% of direct donations fund groundbreaking cancer research. The organization is hyper-focused on funding research that has game-changing potential – casting a wide net and whittling down to the best of the best in the cancer research space.
“I am so proud of the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer riders who persevered through uphill climbs and challenging weather on their 225-mile segments across the U.S. with cancer patients top of mind. While it wasn’t easy, together, they pedaled, fundraised, and cheered each other on to help advance cancer research in support of the V Foundation,” said Catherine Owen, Senior Vice President, General Manager of U.S. Cardiovascular, Immunology, and Oncology, Bristol Myers Squibb. “The V Foundation is a trusted organization in the cancer community, and we are thrilled to continue to partner with them year over year in support of cancer research.”
The V Foundation holds 11 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, making the foundation among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is also a GuideStar platinum-rated charity. To learn more or to donate, please visit www.v.org.
About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded nearly $290 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations is awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.
About Bristol Myers Squibb
Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
Press Contact:
Michael Susong
760-681-3866
michaels@intrepidmg.com
