Sarah at the finish line.
This is a sponsored post.
“Obliteride is a way to contribute to cancer research, to finding treatments and potentially cures, in a fun and social way:” Sarah Zurat – Maple Leaf Resident
Sarah Zurat thinks about cancer every day but it’s not for the reasons you might think. The Maple Leaf woman works as a cancer information specialist, providing resources, information and referrals to anyone affected by cancer. Sarah says while her work is rewarding, it’s not always fun or social. That’s where Obliteride, a bike ride to raise money for cancer research at Fred Hutch, comes in.
Sarah is excited for her third Obliteride this summer. She admits signing up the first time was a bit scary. “I was a little intimidated but knowing there were shorter distances helped me to commit,” said Sarah. “There are so many distance choices so everyone can find one that’s right for them, including kids who want to ride!”
This year, Sarah says she’s looking forward to riding 50 miles in Obliteride because it’s so inspiring. “I get to see cancer survivors whisk by me and think, I am so grateful not only that they are alive, but that they are alive and well and riding in this event,” said Sarah. “There is an incredible community atmosphere of Obliteride that is filled with inspiration, persistence, resilience, respect and pure joy.”
Sarah is kneeling, on the right, wearing Hutch baseball hat and glasses.
Sarah rides with many colleagues and friends on team 800-4-Cancer. She says one of her favorite memories of Obliteride was when she and her friends jumped into Lake Washington halfway through the ride. “It was so warm and I didn’t have a swimsuit but since I was wearing fast dry clothing I knew it would feel great,” said Sarah. Since Obliteride is a ride and not a race, Sarah says she went for it. “I asked if anyone else from my team wanted to go in the lake and there was a group of us that jumped in. It was great! If it’s hot out, I plan on doing it again this year!”
Obliteride
Sarah is kneeling on the right without a helmet.
Obliteride has raised nearly $7 million for life-saving cancer research in just three years. Every dollar riders fundraise goes directly to Fred Hutch.
“These funds are vital to our work toward cancer cures,” said Dr. Gary Gilliland, president and director of Fred Hutch. “There’s a very real urgency now as we are on the verge of breakthroughs. For example, our scientists have seen extraordinary success using a patient’s own immune cells to make cancer literally vanish, even in patients with the most advanced stages of disease. It’s unprecedented. Fundraising efforts like Obliteride help us cure cancer faster.”
The need for cures is urgent and the facts are scary. One out of three women and half of all men will be diagnosed with cancer. This year, nearly 70,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in the Northwest alone.
Join Obliteride – the movement to cure cancer faster
Obliteride has routes for everyone from rookies to road warriors. Riders are treated to a first-class event including fun parties, live entertainment and fantastic food from Tom Douglas Catering.
“Just do it!” said Sarah. “Really, you will thank yourself afterwards! It’s a great family and community event, so get a friend or a family member or a colleague to join you.
To be part of this exciting event on Aug. 14, 2016, sign up to ride 10-165 miles or volunteer at obliteride.org.
If you would like to donate to Sarah’s ride, go to her personal fundraising page. http://bit.ly/1XSXWd6
