Today, members of the Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY) oncology team set off on the first leg of the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Ride, a 19-day bike relay that will involve over 80 employees riding a combined total of nearly 2,900 miles, from today's start on the Oregon Coast to the Jersey Shore, to show their support for the cancer community while raising funds for cancer research. Bristol-Myers Squibb will match donations raised by the riders, dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000, to support Stand Up To Cancer, whose collaborative "Dream Teams" of scientific researchers are working together to accelerate cancer research and to provide innovative treatment to patients faster.
"This is the second consecutive year that Bristol-Myers Squibb employees are making this remarkable effort for Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer. Most of our cyclists are riding for people they know whose lives have been touched by this disease, and the teams' dedication reflects our commitment to helping cancer patients across the country," said Teresa Bitetti, senior vice president, U.S. Oncology, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "The strength and passion of our employees make it possible for us to strive toward changing the way cancer is treated, and those same qualities inspire us to reach the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer finish line on behalf of the cancer community."
In addition to the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer Ride, Bristol-Myers Squibb has a significant history of providing support to Stand Up To Cancer to advance cancer research, awareness and patient care. "We are very impressed by the Bristol-Myers Squibb employees who are cycling this year and are grateful for their support of the Stand Up To Cancer movement," said Stand Up To Cancer Co-Founder Katie Couric. "Their commitment to our dream of making every person diagnosed with cancer a survivor is inspiring for all of us, and we are proud to be a part of the larger Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer team."
Last year, Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer riders raised $359,000 for Stand Up To Cancer research and this year's ride is even more ambitious, with six teams of 11-14 riders each, covering approximately 450 miles per team. "I am riding for my mom who battled cancer. She was my best friend and if I have achieved anything in this life, it is because of her. This race is about the patients we serve, their families, their doctors and their nurses who fight every day for them," said E. G. "Bubba" Klugh, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Little Rock, AR. "The training leading up to our ride has been strenuous, but the discipline required is part of what makes Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer so meaningful to the riders because we are riding for patients. We would all ride as far as it takes - for them."
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.
About Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer is a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, whose collaborative Dream Teams of investigators from different institutions and across disciplines are working together to translate their research from the laboratory to the clinic - where it can help patients - as quickly as possible. Donations fund Stand Up To Cancer's innovative research focused on bringing new, innovative treatments to patients faster, making cancer patients, cancer survivors.