Duke Cancer Institute kicked off its first signature fundraising event with a powerful show of support for cancer research, innovation, and patient care. Duke Rides, held on October 3 in Wilson Gym, united more than 1,100 donors, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters in a shared mission to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.
Duke-blue strobe lights and high-energy music like Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” and Britney Spears “Hit Me Baby One More Time” kept everyone energized while they took turns cycling on stationary bikes. During rider changes, cancer survivors told their stories, with members of their care teams at their sides.
“Raising more than $675k in our first year is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Diane Reidy-Lagunes, MD, physician vice president of cancer services, Duke University Health System.
“What makes this event so special is the way it brings together the entire Duke community—our patients and families, physicians, nurses, researchers, staff, students, alumni, and friends. We are united by a shared commitment to beating cancer and being part of something bigger than any one of us,” said Reidy-Lagunes.
"We have wanted a signature event for many years," said Debbie Taylor, assistant vice president, Duke Cancer Institute and Duke Children’s Development. "But we don't have a big events team, which makes getting something like this off the ground incredibly difficult. We are so grateful for the colleagues and donors who stepped up and helped us turn an idea into a reality."
Among the event’s top fundraisers was a team led by Tony and Teddy Brown, which raised an impressive $233, 859.
For Tony Brown, supporting Duke Rides is deeply personal. A Professor of the Practice Emeritus in Duke’s Sanford School of Public Policy, where he taught for 28 years, Brown has experienced firsthand the impact of exceptional care. His treatment under Hope Uronis, MD, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist, and his broader care team inspired him to help ensure that other patients receive the same support.
“The care I’ve received from Dr. Uronis and my entire team has been remarkable,” Brown said. “The combination of competence, compassion, and collaboration has meant more to me than words can express,” said Brown.
Lenny Santoro, another survivor, echoed that sentiment. "I'm here today because of the excellent care that I received more than eight years ago for my prostate cancer. And because of three clinical trials that Dr. Dan George and Duke gave me the opportunity to join," he said.
Other top fundraising teams included the Duke Alumni for Cancer Survival and those supporting the following disease groups: pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, genitourinary cancers (prostate and urologic), and pediatric cancers.
The funds raised will provide much needed support for research aimed at improving treatment options and outcomes for cancer patients.
"Next time," said Taylor, "our goal is to raise over a million."
