We raise funds to support breakthroughs in cancer research at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center (ACC). Founded in 2013, the Breakthrough Challenge unites patients, researchers, their families, and friends for a scenic and inspiring bike ride through Eastern PA's beautiful Oley Valley. To date, the Breakthrough Challenge has donated over $3.1 million dollars to the ACC, funding 74 research projects. 100% of all participant-raised dollars are donated directly to cancer research.

Announcing the Muscoe Martin Sprint-to-the-Finish Match Challenge! 

Thanks to your outstanding efforts, we are close to reaching our $300,000 fundraising goal for this year’s campaign. To help get us across the finish line, Tom Hecht and the Smilow Foundation are jointly sponsoring a $25,000 sprint match challenge, in memory of Muscoe Martin.

Muscoe, an accomplished Philadelphia architect, who specialized in sustainable design, died of cancer in 2014, during the early years of the Breakthrough. The Breakthrough honors Muscoe’s memory each year, awarding the Muscoe Martin Fundraising Leadership Award to recognize those who lead our fundraising efforts.

Here's how the Sprint Challenge works: Starting September 14th, donations will be matched dollar for dollar (up to $1000 per donation) until the $25,000 sprint match challenge is met.

Please alert your networks — the race is on!

With your help, we can continue to fund groundbreaking cancer research at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center.

$22,760 remaining as of 7:45 AM 9/15/2026