Help local teams raise funds for Memorial Sloan Kettering research

The Blue Ribbon team have started campaigning to raise money for MSK’s research fund for rare cancers. They are doing this in support of Zach Koop, who has been receiving treatments at the hospital. This money is not for Zach, but for the hospital and goes entirely to research for rare cancer treatments. The link to donate is here and donations before March 6th will generously be matched.

Here is an email from his teammate, Tomi Ketcham, that I am reposting here with his permission:

Dearest friends and family,

As some of you know, the last year has been very difficult, as I’ve watched my best friend Zach battle colon cancer. He has been in and out of Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital for chemo, radiation, and many surgeries over the last 15 months. There have been ups and downs, and I’ve spent many nights in arm chairs at his side as he continues to fight an uphill battle. I don’t share this story for sympathy, as I’m sure most, if not all of us have been in similar positions, and have had cancer tear at our lives in some way. This particular anecdote might be mine, but this is a narrative that we collectively share, and must collectively fight.

I’m sharing this story and reaching out to you because my cycling team has decided to partner with other local teams to raise money for rare cancer research at Zach’s hospital. Unlike most charities, 100% of donations go directly into research, and are being directly applied within 6 months. All donations made by March 6th will be matched by a generous donor, making your contribution twice as valuable. This is an unusually efficient charity, who’s work will be felt immediately by many cancer patients in the NYC area, including Zach. The people we love may someday rely on the experimental research being done at Sloan Kettering.

If you would like to help support my team, MSK Hospital, and Zach in our fundraising journey, please donate here: Blue Ribbon Cycle For Survival. If you can’t help financially and would still like to help (or want to provide additional support), please feel free to share this link with your friends and family.

With love,
Tomi