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Archive for the ‘Canary Challenge’ Category
Success! Canary Challenge Roundup Raises Funds for Cancer Research, Early Cancer Detection
October 3, 2012
Here at Canary Foundation we’re celebrating the success of another exceptional Canary Challenge race! We had a great time, and judging from the smiles we saw, you did too.
Canary Foundation is the world’s first non-profit organization dedicated solely to the funding, discovery, and development of tests for early cancer detection. Canary Foundation is dedicated to delivering early detection tests for solid cancer tumors by 2015.
We are so thankful for all the sponsor companies and volunteers whose generous contributions made the day a success – we really couldn’t have done it without you.
In the meantime, here are a couple of shots from the race for those of us who weren’t able to join us. For a full photo gallery, check out the slideshow on the Canary Facebook Page.
Canary Foundation volunteers at Rest Stop 2, where they helped hydrate and feed cyclists in need of a break.
Vanderkitten cyclist Maura Kinsella racing along.
Canary Founder Don Listwin with son Hunter gave riders words of encouragement before the race.
Lawrence Viariseo Rides the Canary Challenge
September 13, 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLWIyTEYYWc
Lawrence Viariseo has survived falling off a 100-foot cliff and breaking his back, paralysis from the waist down and bladder cancer. At 53, the Palo Alto native is voluntarily embarking on another challenge — a 100-mile bike trip to raise money for cancer research.
Viariseo biked in the Canary Challenge, a fundraiser for the Stanford Cancer Institute. The ride will goes from Palo Alto to Skyline Boulevard, through Pescadero and San Gregorio, onto state Route 1 and back down to Palo Alto.
In this video, he talks about his commitment to the Canary Foundation, and encourages other riders to get involved, help fundraise, and ride in the race.
To learn more about the Canary Challenge, visit www.canarychallenge.com. To read more about Lawrence riding the Canary Challenge, read “A measure of his heart,” an article published by Palo Alto Online.
Canary Challenge Update: Did You Know…?
August 31, 2012
Cyclists who have been training (hopefully!) and fundraising for weeks will descend upon the campus of VMware in Palo Also to ride in the Canary Challenge 2012 in September. The Canary Challenge is one of the most picturesque rides on the west coast—going from the foothills of Palo Alto & Woodside, to Pescadero, out to the Pacific Ocean.
The Canary Challenge benefits the Stanford Cancer Institute (SCI) and 100% of funds raised will be donated to the SCI for cancer research and innovative clinical programs.
The one-day ride is a fully supported ride that includes great food, generous amenities, stocked rest stops, SAG vehicles, medical support, spirited festivities, and wine & beer garden, and a community of riders who have been touched one way or another by cancer. Learn more about the Canary Challenge on our website.
Some interesting facts about the Canary Challenge: Did You Know . . ?
- The male to female rider ratio this year is 2: 1. In 2011, it was 3:1. What an increase in women riders!
- The two biggest teams are Canary Chicks with 27 riders (4 male riders!) and Team Lauren (in support of LPCH) with 24 riders.
- A bake sale can raise a lot of money! Avaya The Power of WeTM team held a bake sale at their corporate headquarters during the lunch hour and raised $1,343 in 3 hours. More »
Canary Interview with Robert Lynch, CEO of Lumber Liquidators
August 6, 2012
Robert Lynch sits on the Board of Directors at Canary Foundation. He has been the President, Chief Executive Officer, and a Director of Lumber Liquidators since January 2012. In this interview, Rob tells us about the history of his involvement with Canary Foundation.
Q: How and why did you get involved with Canary?
In 2005, I was the CEO of Orchard Supply Hardware, and I was invited to participate in the Canary Gala that was part of the San Jose Grand Prix. At that time, it was their main fundraiser. I was inspired by Canary’s strategy, mission, and vision—I was personally moved and immediately wanted to become involved.
At the time, Orchard Supply Hardware supported City of Hope through an annual golf tournament; each year we raised about half a million dollars for them. I wanted to get involved with a more local organization, because we were based in the Bay Area. I decided that I wanted use our annual golf fundraiser to support Canary instead of City of Hope.
I bumped into Don with his son at a basketball game the following year. I reintroduced myself to him and communicated I wanted the golfing fundraiser to support Canary instead of City of Hope. His eyes lit up. The rest is history: the fundraiser went to Canary, I joined the board, and I’ve been involved ever since.
Q: You mentioned that one of the reasons you got involved with Canary is because it was local, but now you’re with Lumber Liquidators on the East Coast. Why did you stick with Canary?
I’m still involved because I believe strongly in what they do. Ultimately, the attraction wasn’t so much that it was local in terms of physical location. I wanted to be involved in an organization that had a real community, a place where I could really roll up my sleeves and get involved. More »
How to Raise $400 in 5 Days
July 24, 2012
It’s 10 weeks until the Canary Challenge and you haven’t raised the $400 minimum. You still have plenty of time but you have to get busy and start reaching out to your network. Here’s an easy way to raise $400 in 5 days. 5 days!
Day 1: Donate $50 to yourself. $50
Day 2: Ask your housemate/spouse/partner to donate $50 $100
Day 3: Ask two relatives to donate $50 each $200
Day 4: Ask two friends to donate $50 each $300
Day 5 (Backup): Ask two neighbors/colleagues for $50 each Total: $400
Top fundraisers have found letter writing campaigns very successful. Write a letter or email friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to let them know what you’re doing and ask them to donate to you. Tell your story, why you are doing the Canary Challenge, where the money goes and why this is important to you. Remember: always send a thank you note to your donors.
Canary Chicks for the Canary Challenge
July 9, 2012
In this video, Aruna Gambhir, Donna Novitsky, and Lori Laub introduce the Canary Chicks, a group of riders who get together to have fun during the Canary Challenge. Here, they give pointers for riders, chat about the event, and speak candidly about the difficulty level of the Canary Challenge course. Learn more and register for the event: www.CanaryChallenge.com
Power Through: Century Training Tips
June 27, 2012
Al Painter is the founder of INTEGRATE Performance Fitness, and a supporter of the Canary Foundation. In this interview, he provides riders tools and tips for succeeding in the Canary Challenge. Learn more and register at www.CanaryChallenge.com.
Tell us about yourself and your training background.
I’ve been training folks for about 11 years, and I’ve been with INTEGRATE since January 2008. We do cycling-specific strength training, and we work with a ton of endurance athletes. We’re also very proud to have won the honor of “Top 5 Fitness Facility in the Bay Area” (#1 in the Peninsula) from SFGate.com.
We love working with anybody who already rides a bike or wants to learn how. It’s a blast to teach the basic skills to ride a bike correctly, and see their fitness levels take off and go through the roof.
Why do you support the Canary Foundation?
I’ve had a couple of relatives close to me pass from cancer, and it’s something very close to me. I don’t know anyone that I’ve met who hasn’t been touched by it one way or another.
Another reason I like the Canary Foundation is because it’s local. Companies like Livestrong are already very well supported in terms of participation, so they don’t need as much help. I wanted to support something more local and grassroots where my support and participation could really have a visible impact.
Tell me a little about the Canary Challenge. What can riders expect? More »
Let’s Ride!
March 28, 2012
John Novitsky is a Canary Challenge rider and volunteer, as well as a supporter of the Canary Foundation. In this video, John shares his motivation for participating in the Canary Challenge as well as words of inspiration for new and returning riders.
httpv://youtu.be/6ZppfNBauKs
The Canary Challenge is a fully supported bike ride, offering 50-kilometer, 75-kilometer, 100 kilometer, 100-mile rides. Funds raised in 2012 Canary Challenge will be donated to the Stanford Cancer Institute (SCI) to benefit cancer research and innovative supportive care programs. Register now.
Rally Your Team for the Canary Challenge!
March 8, 2012
Dr. Fred Chin, Head of Cyclotron Radiochemistry at Stanford University Medical Center & Canary Challenge Rider, extends his passion for early cancer detection research beyond the lab, fundraising and promoting awareness through his participation in the Canary Challenge. He shares his motivation for creating and leading “Team MIPS” (Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford), leveraging the opportunity to bond and build relationships with other researchers and physicians on the team. Watch this short video to learn more about Fred’s experience, goals, and words of wisdom for new riders.
httpv://youtu.be/um5vGkRPAgg
Funds raised in 2012 Canary Challenge will be donated to the Stanford Cancer Institute (SCI) to benefit cancer research and innovative supportive care programs. Cancer strikes about one in three women and one in two men in the United States. Canary Foundation, the producer of the event, is committed to identifying early stage cancers to save lives.
To register for the Canary Challenge, visit: www.CanaryChallenge.com
