There are a lot of "bike to the beach" charity rides, but one of the reasons I specifically do the ACS ride is that the American Cancer Society provides resources not only cancer survivors, but for their families and caregivers as well. A cancer diagnosis affects so many more people than just the patient, and it can change so much so quickly.

In early 2026 I was casually chatting with a family member about her plans to run Broad Street, followed by a full marathon in the fall. A few minutes later she excused herself from dinner to go to the ER because she was feeling very ill, and after a very tumultuous few days in the hospital she was diagnosed with cancer. For our whole family, life felt like it was on pause while we waited for updates. We were very lucky - surgery successfully removed all of the cancer they found, but follow-up scans found more in other places. Thanks to early detection her prognosis is very good. She is currently navigating the long, harrowing process of multiple surgeries and to-be-determined followup treatment. To say that this cancer diagnosis upended her life is an understatement.

American Cancer Society programs provide lodging so families can stay close to treatment, transportation to / from care, a 24/7 helpline, screenings to increase early detection, and of course funding for cancer research.
All this to say: please consider supporting the American Cancer Society, if not through my silly little bike ride than through the ACS directly. Healthcare in this country is a complete shitshow and the ACS is providing critically necessary assistance to people who need it.