Cycle for Survival is a national (USA) movement to beat rare cancers. 100% of donations fund rare cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The National Institute of Health defines a "rare cancer" as one with fewer than 200,000 affected individuals within the United States. Rare cancers include brain, ovarian, pediatric and pancreatic cancers, lymphoma and leukemia, and many other types of cancers. Approximately 50% of people with cancer are battling a cancer that is considered "rare."
Founded in 2007, Cycle for Survival has raised more than $53 million with support from founding partner Equinox Fitness - 100% of which have been directed to rare cancer research within six months of the event. The donations are allocated to the most promising research and clinical trials, and since its founding Cycle for Survival has contributed to more than 100 clinical trials, research studies, and major research initiatives which have bettered the lives of cancer patients around the world.
At the heart of the movement is a series of indoor team cycling events that take place across the country. In 2014, Cycle for Survival events took place in 13 cities over eight days with the help of 4,020 stationary bicycles and 17,000 participants. The 2014 events raised more than $20 million.