CIGNA-Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride

June 8, 2008 – Simsbury

The CIGNA-Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge ride is an annual statewide event of Coach Calhoun's to benefit The Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Connecticut Health Center and Coaches vs. Cancer, a program established in 1993 by the American Cancer Society.

This exciting cycling event will take place in Simsbury and will include rides of 10, 25, and 50 miles. The ride is open to everyone who wants to join Coach Calhoun in the fight against cancer. Fun activities are planned for riders and spectators.

Fast Facts … About Participating in the Ride

There is a $30 registration fee for all riders.
To help us reach our fund raising goal, all riders are required to raise at least $200 in pledges and donations.
All donations are tax-deductible and can be made on-line or through cash or checks. Checks should be made out to the UConn Foundation and mailed to:

CIGNA-Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride
c/o Gold, Orluk & Partners
P.O. Box 1177
Avon, CT 06001

Your generosity will help the Neag Comprehensive Cancer and the American Cancer Society touch the lives of thousands of people right here in Connecticut!

To learn more about the event or register for the bike ride, go to www.calhounride.org.

Join a Health Center Team!

Register at www.calhounride.org, under “Rider Registration,” choose “Join a Team” and select one of the UConn Health Center choices.

Fritz Free Riders

Meet Joyce

Photo of Joyce Fritz
Joyce Fritz
Captain
Fritz Free Riders

Leading a team for the Calhoun Challenge Ride brings together two of Joyce Fritz’s deepest passions: helping people and bike riding!

“I’ve always felt a need to help people. Riding in this event is a way all of us can pitch in and make the world a better place,” said Joyce, who participated in the ride last year and single-handedly raised $700. This year, she is ready to raise more money and build an energized team.

Joyce has worked at the Health Center for 23 years. She currently works in Facilities Management and is also pursuing her bachelor’s degree at UConn. In addition, she is very active with her church and has traveled to several developing countries on mission trips.

An avid amateur cyclist, Joyce often rides her bike more than eight miles to work and is helping to raise awareness about the Health Center’s “bike to work” initiative.

“In the good weather, I’m on my bike every day after work,” Joyce said, adding that she also walks around the Health Center campus almost every day on her lunch break.

She said she is looking forward to this year’s Calhoun Challenge Ride and welcomes all to join her team.

Meet Barbara

Photo of Barbara Treadwell
Barbara Treadwell
Captain
Treadwell Trekkers

Barbara Treadwell participated in the Calhoun Challenge Ride last year because she wanted to go an extra mile – or 10 – to help people whose lives have been touched by cancer. As a certified medical assistant in the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, Barbara understands how research and compassionate medical care can transform lives.

What Barbara didn’t anticipate was how the Calhoun Challenge Ride would transform her life.

The rainy 2007 ride marked the beginning of a journey which led to a new commitment to health and the loss of nearly 40 pounds. “It really jump-started my fitness routine,” Barbara said. “Staying fit is an extra motivation for me this year.”

And she said it was also rewarding to help advance the work of the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center. “I’m not a doctor, and I don’t do research. I’m a regular mom. But this event is how I can put in my full share in the fight against cancer,” she added. “Everyone’s affected by cancer, and this is something we all can do to work toward a cure.”

Barbara will be riding again this year with her husband, Darren, and all of the members of her team.

Join Fritz Free Riders now >

Join Treadwell Trekkers now >

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