Breakthrough Bike Challenge Board members and members of Penn Medicine (from left) Robert Ebby, Chris Hall, Randy Bown, Jennifer Pinto-Martin, Bob Vonderheide (Penn Medicine), Beth Johnston, Ernie Tracy, Jeff Krieger, and Ralph Muller (Penn Medicine) at a check presentation to Penn Medicine after the ride in 2017.

Locally born and powered, the Breakthrough Bike Challenge (BBC) will hold its 5th annual ride event on Sunday, September 16, starting at the Daniel Boone Homestead in the Oley Valley.  With 12, 25 and 50-mile routes, there are ride options for everyone in the family and fun for all. The event raises money for promising cancer researchers at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center.

Board Chair, Chris Hall, proudly states, “with every dollar donated by participants and their friends going directly to select researchers, your contribution has a significant impact.” The researchers receiving grants from the proceeds of this event are able to further expand their work and leverage their findings for additional funding from national public and private sources.

In the first 4 years of the Breakthrough Bike Challenge, the board members of the organization, have presented checks to Penn Medicine totaling $780,000.  In 2018 the event should raise the five-year total to more than $1 million donated.

Considering that 5 years ago the founding members of the BBC—Randy Bown (Flourtown), Chris Hall (Chestnut Hill), Jeff Krieger (Chestnut Hill), Jennifer Pinto-Martin (Chestnut Hill) and Ernie Tracy (Wyndmoor) — had their board meetings at the back table at McNally’s Tavern, they have come a long way and have a made a difference.

The BBC has been fueled by top sponsors including Saul Ewing LLP, Penn Medicine, Industrial Investments, Delran Builders, Hangley Aronchick, Almac Group, Independence Blue Cross and Krieger Architects.

Everyone alive today either knows someone with cancer, has had cancer themselves, or lost someone to cancer, therefore each event that raises awareness and funds for cancer research puts the medical world one step closer to eradicating cancer.  The BBC is making breakthroughs possible

Not available on Sunday, September 16? Haven’t ridden a bike since you grew out of your cruiser?  That’s OK, there are other ways to support the cause. Volunteers and are donations are vitally important. Go to www.breakthroughbikechallenge.org to sign up, volunteer, or support a friend who is riding.