BIKE TO BEAT CANCER '22 RECAP
2022 was the 6th annual Bike To Beat Cancer and it was a great success! Last year's route challenged 21 riders and their support staff with climbing +3,000 feet over 100 miles. The route began in Fairfield, crossing the Benecia Bridge, thru Dublin, and finished in Cupertino. Together we raised over $43,000! To date, Bike To Beat Cancer has raised almost $240,000 for the Coaches Against Cancer Foundation. While 2022 was great, we are out to make the even better in 2023!
OUR STORY
The story of Bike To Beat Cancer ’23 began over 10 years ago when San Jose resident Bob Krail was diagnosed with lung cancer, ultimately losing his battle with cancer in 2006. Grieving the loss of his father, Bob Krail’s son, Mark, realized his story was not unique in the battle against cancer. Motivated to make a difference, the longtime teacher, mentor, and high school football coach wanted to transform this struggle into something positive. Mark was inspired to help families in his community that was fighting the same battle that he and his family had experienced. Mark reached out to friends and fellow coaches in the community to assist him in creating the Coaches Against Cancer Foundation, a non-profit aiming to make a difference in the lives of those facing cancer.
Led by their enjoyment of golf, Mark Krail and his team came up with an idea to start an annual golf tournament, the Coaches Against Cancer Golf Tournament, of which proceeds would go to the foundation and help the lives of people and their families affected by cancer. The inaugural Coaches Against Cancer Golf Tournament was held in 2009 at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club in San Jose, CA. Year after year, the golf tournament began to grow with more golfers playing and more funds being donated. In 2014, Mark and his team decided that Coaches Against Cancer would begin a new program called the Dream Come True program. This program used the Make-A-Wish concept to fulfill a wish or desires of those battling cancer. By bringing happiness and positivity during a tough time, Coaches Against Cancer aims to forge a human connection with the funds raised throughout the year.
Two of the golfers participating in the Coaches Against Cancer Golf Tournament were inspired and enthused by the work that the foundation was accomplishing. Moved by the loss of his grandfather to cancer, Mark’s son, Kevin, and Kevin's high school friend, Ben Asleson, felt like even more could be done to raise money to support the great work being done by the Coaches Against Cancer foundation. After discussing this idea, Kevin and Ben came up with the idea of a fundraising bicycle ride to raise money for Coaches Against Cancer; deciding to call the event Bike To Beat Cancer.
Bike To Beat Cancer challenges each rider to raise money from family and friends in hopes of achieving a goal of raising $50,000. Each rider will organize their fundraising campaigns; where all funds raised will be gifted to the Coaches Against Cancer Foundation to improve the lives of those battling cancer.
WHAT?
Bike To Beat Cancer '23 is a 2-day fundraising bicycle starting in the Bay Area.
MISSION
Working with Coaches Against Cancer, Bike To Beat Cancer '23 aims to raise money to help individuals and their families that are fighting to beat cancer.
WHO?
Approximately 20 riders will participate in the Bike To Beat Cancer '23 along with support staff. Each rider must achieve a minimum fundraising amount to participate in the ride.
WHEN?
Saturday, June 3rd & Sunday, June 4th, 2023
WHY?
The success of the Coaches Against Cancer Golf Tournament has been inspiring, but also begged the question, “What more can we be doing to help other people affected by cancer?” Bike To Beat Cancer ’23 is one answer to that question that hopes to raise donations for the Coaches Against Cancer foundation.
COMMITMENTS
We are committed to supporting people in their fight against cancer in any way possible. The proceeds donated will be added to the funds raised by the Coaches Against Cancer Foundation. These funds go towards the American Cancer Society, the National Brain Tumor Society, and the Coaches Against Cancer program Dream Come True.
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