IICD Joins Velocity: Columbia’s Ride to End Cancer Once Again

Velocity: Columbia's Ride to End Cancer is a fundraising event benefiting cutting-edge research and patient care at Columbia's Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC). The cycling event has raised more than $7 million with the help of more than 4,000 participants over the last seven years. The proceeds support early-stage cancer research annually by awarding pilot grants to selected Columbia researchers. Twenty-two Velocity Fellows have been named so far. 

People can participate in the event as a rider (15K, 50K, 100K), by participating "Your Way" and doing any activity of their choice on or before Velocity Day, or by volunteering. This year, Velocity Day will be held on Sunday, October 8th. 

The Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics (IICD) has been a dedicated participant in Velocity Day since 2021. Over the years, the team has grown, and we've taken on challenges, whether on a bike ride or a hike, to demonstrate our unwavering support. This year, the IICD team includes eight members, a blend of returning faces and new additions.

Stephanie Velasquez - who recently assumed the role of Chief of Staff at the Institute - chose to partake in Velocity in honor of her stepfather, a resilient cancer survivor who received care at the Columbia Cancer Center over four decades of battling multiple cancers. Also joining the team this year is Zijin Xiang, an MS student in the Dinh lab. She dedicates her participation to her grandmother, whose life was abruptly taken by cancer.

The IICD Velocity team has already raised over $2,100 to support HICCC. Although weather conditions thwarted their plans for a 5-mile hike in Van Cortlandt Park on September 23rd, their indomitable spirit led them to organize a friendly game competition instead. The team remains determined to go on their hike before Velocity Day.

Learn more how to support the life-saving research and comprehensive care for patients and their families at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center and join Velocity here: https://www.velocityride.org/

Support the IICD Velocity team by joining the team or donating: https://www.velocityride.org/team/IICDteam