This number is kind of shocking, but this is what you get with five of the most dysfunctional Congresses in American history. Ten years ago, more than 30% of NIH grants were funded. As your representatives have slashed funding and bought into little gimmicks like the 'sequester,' that number is down to SEVEN percent today. So - just at the moment science is starting to crack some important codes in outsmarting cancer, the legislature is eviscerating the funding. The difference has to come from somewhere. Has to. So across the country, you're seeing research hospitals and universities get creative in how they get this message across to the philanthropic community as they attempt to bridge this widening gap.
On 19-20 July, Northeast Ohio will experience an event that's both athletically and socially impressive. VeloSano (Latin for "Swift Cure") is a first-year event to raise big money for cancer research at Cleveland Clinic through a variety of endurance cycling events. Moreover, it's a chance to bring the community together in support and awareness of the cancer research being done - and the people benefitting from it.
My doctor, Brian Rini, is wrapped up in every single facet of this: He's a top-flight researcher, is an incredible one-on-one doc, and he's riding the 100-mile race on 19 July (you can see his VeloSano page here: http://ccf.convio.net/site/TR?fr_id=1490&pg=personal&px=2630741). Ellie and I have ended up getting folded into this, too. Clinic asked me a couple weeks ago if I'd record a few words of encouragement they're going to play before the race starts, since Dr. Rini's one of the riders on the CCF team. After that, they asked if Ellie and I would be willing to be part of a video that's going to show the riders what they're racing for. I love the theme of this video. Love, love, love, love it ... and I don't want to give it away. But let's just say that people like Ellie - whose loved ones (or at least, liked ones, some days) are featured as the REAL beneficiaries of the clinical trial research being done on those of us guinea pigging away. Athena Meriscko - a survivor who is clearly more talented on two wheels than I am - is riding in the race, and you can visit her VeloSano page here (http://ccf.convio.net/site/TR/VeloSano/General?px=2591681&pg=personal&fr_id=1490). PS, for my BG News friends who find that name familiar, it's Jim's sister!
I'm not writing this to convince you to donate money. I'm writing it, because if you're in NE Ohio that weekend, be part of the team. Post pics of the bikers on social media with #VeloSano, or tag the event's Twitter @bikeVeloSano if you see cyclists around town. Build some buzz, make it trend! Cheer these cyclists on as they do anywhere from 26 to 270 miles in their races! Be aware of the event. Tell your kids what it's about. Get as excited about a sport we know nothing about as you will be on Tuesday! Make VeloSano a Cleveland EVENT, not just a fundraiser. Those of us who have grown up Cleveland athletics fans have gotten excited over some pretty stupid, depressing s*** over the years (et. al., Tim Couch, Alex Cole, DeSagana Diop). Why not get excited about something that has incredible, local athletes who are fighting to bring something bigger than the Lombardi Trophy to Cleveland?
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