Today we launch our 2013 Cycle for Survival campaign. This is Kass and my most cherished cause. The founder Jen Goodman Linn, who passed away last July, was our inspiration in business and life.
To honor Jen, we're excited to announce this year that Kass and I will match all your donations (up to $100,000). You can donate by going here: http://bit.ly/SupportMikeandKass
This video will give you a great overview of the event.
Cycle for Survival funds primary research to fight "rare" cancers, like the sarcoma Jen had. The term "rare," however, is a misnomer. These cancers account for about 50% of all diagnoses -- and include leukemia, melanoma, pancreatic, brain, and all pediatric cancers -- but only receive a small percentage of research dollars. Many believe that the cure for these cancers will eradicate all cancers.
The scalability and accountability of Cycle for Survival's model attracted Kass and me immediately. Cycle is growing like a tech startup. In addition to doubling the money raised each year, cyclers have increased from a few hundred teams to about 10,000 cyclers worldwide. In total, we have raised nearly $18.4M (100% of all money raised goes to the research). And in just a few short years, Cycle has collapsed the time it takes to get trial treatments from research lab to patients down to 18 months from 5 years. This keeps the most talented researchers in the lab rather than out spinning their wheels (excuse the pun) fundraising.
Finding a cure for cancer is just the type of big, bold and seemingly unattainable goal that fires Kass and me up. We've seen firsthand that what seems impossible today will be taken for granted at some point in the future. The fact this disease hits so close to home will keep us engaged. In addition to losing Jen earlier this year, Kass and I lost our nephew to a nasty brain tumor a few years ago and several friends are currently in the middle of their own battles.
Jen is and will forever be one of Kass and my true inspirations - not for how she died, but how she lived in the face of death. She lived without fear and accomplished more in the 7 years she had cancer than most do in a lifetime. We remain solidly connected to her forever through her spirit and tenacity, which lives on through Cycle for Survival. I hope you will join us in donating and/or getting involved this year.
To read more and donate today, please click here: http://bit.ly/SupportMikeandKass
You can also read more about Jen here: http://www.lazerow.com/2011/07/remembering-jen-linn-without-fear-anything-is-possible.html
Don't be shy about giving. I hope you and your family have a happy and healthy holiday season. Please don't hesitate to reach out if I can do anything for you.