Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to launch 32nd Scenic Shore Bike Tour
Fundraiser also aims to increase awareness of blood cancers like myeloma
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is once again running its Scenic Shore Bike Tour to raise awareness and support for people with blood cancers, including myeloma.
Going on its 32nd edition and set to start July 27 in Mequon, Wisconsin, the annual Scenic Shore Bike Tour will support LLS’ campaign aimed at raising another $2 million or so for blood cancer research and patient aid and support.
People of all ages from across the U.S. are invited to join one of three cycling routes — 25 miles, 75 miles, and the traditional 150 miles — to help support the work of the LLS. The 150-mile route is conducted over the course of two days and everything from road bikes to electric bikes are allowed.
The collected funds will be used to foster the development of potentially groundbreaking research and to provide support and assistance to patients free of charge. Further, the nonprofit will continue its work advocating on behalf of blood cancer patients and their families.
“Thanks to the dedication of our participants and supporters, Scenic Shore Bike Tour has grown from a locally supported event to the forefront of the national cycling scene and is helping us improve the quality of life for all blood cancer patients,” Coker Powell, LLS’s executive vice president and chief revenue officer, said in a society press release. “Anyone can join and make a difference — the beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan is the perfect picturesque setting for a weekend of riding the shore for a cure!”
Lymphoma survivor and her family will take part in this year’s bike tour
The “Honored Hero” of this year’s event is Allie Frankmann, 25, of Wisconsin, a survivor of lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, whose family will be participating in this year’s ride in her honor. Frankmann, who lives in Milwaukee, completed her final treatment in October 2022. She’s now pursuing a medical degree and aims to become a pediatric oncologist.
“I am so thankful to everyone involved in Scenic Shore Bike Tour!” Frankmann said. “From peer support groups to funding the research of many of my treatments, LLS has made a huge impact on my experience as a patient and survivor.”
Those who wish to support the campaign can make a donation of any amount, which is tax deductible. Since its start in 1949, the LSS has invested more than $1.7 billion to advance research in blood cancers.
I am so thankful to everyone involved in Scenic Shore Bike Tour! … From peer support groups to funding the research of many of my treatments, LLS has made a huge impact on my experience as a patient and survivor.
The nonprofit also recently named Lia Bhatia and Hailey Miller, two high school students in Los Angeles, as the 2024 Student Visionaries of the Year for their efforts in raising more than $650,000 in only seven weeks.
The Student Visionaries of the Year is a philanthropic leadership development campaign aimed at high school students cross the U.S. In teams composed of up to three members, students run in honor of a local pediatric blood cancer survivor. In total, this year’s campaign has raised more than $42 million.
Lia and Hailey’s fundraising effort was tops among 1,100 teams competing across the U.S. The duo held 23 sponsorship meetings in the first five weeks and coached a team of 14 of their peers in fundraising efforts.
“This experience with LLS has been an incredible opportunity to change lives and bring a cure for cancer closer to reality by funding groundbreaking research such as cancer vaccines, CAR-T cell therapy, and gene treatment,” Lia said. “We have learned invaluable lessons, met people who care about making the world better, and are inspired to continue to do work that will help others.”
Hailey, who recently loss a family member to leukemia, another type of blood cancer, said it was “an amazing experience” to team up with her best friend.
“We have been finding ways to give back since we were seven years old and we are excited about this recognition from LLS for a cause that means so much to both of us,” Hailey said.
Sophia Crockett and Emma Weaver, of Nashville, Tennessee, who raised $648,000, were named the LLS Student Visionaries of the Year runners-up.
This year also marked the first time LLS is recognizing the efforts of individual team members who have raised the most funds. Andrew Lim, who lives in Houston, was named LLS’ 2024 National Team Member of the Year, after he raised nearly $115,000 for the organization’s mission.
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