UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge returns on Oct. 7 to raise funds for life-saving research

The 7th annual ride, run and walk event supports research at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and its pediatric cancer affiliate, Children’s Health of Orange County (CHOC)

ORANGE, CALIFORNIA – On Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge participants and supporters will gather at UCI Aldrich Park to enjoy festivities dedicated to raising funds and awareness for critical cancer research. Individuals who register to ride, run, walk or volunteer can get involved in person or virtually.

On event day, 14-, 35-, 60- or 100-mile bike routes, a new mountain bike route, or 5K/10K run/walks are available. Family and friends are invited to cheer on participants and explore the festival’s interactive booths, live entertainment, awards and more.

Virtual participants can join a team challenge or create their own. They will also be invited to monthly educational webinars from UC Irvine experts, an online opening ceremony and event day livestreaming sessions with UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge-funded researchers.

Every dollar raised by participants directly supports pilot projects and early phase clinical trials aimed at producing meaningful insights into cancer prevention, treatment and cures to save lives. In 2022, UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge participants raised a record-breaking $1 million. The event also ranked second in the Orange County Business Journal’s top five walk/runs of the year.

“As the UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge continues to grow, we hope to increase awareness on the importance of funding pilot projects and early phase clinical trials to discover new treatments and cures,” said Dr. Richard Van Etten, director of the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and founder of the UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge. “The UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge is more than just an event — it’s a call to action for our community to come together and make a meaningful impact in cancer research.”

Leading up to the Oct. 7 event, the UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge will offer educational webinars, rallies and a research reception to share the impact of the challenge and educate the community on various cancer-related topics. In May, the community will be invited to a virtual kickoff event where UC Irvine researchers will give updates on projects funded by the challenge. The entire events calendar will also be announced. All lead-up events are free and open to the public.

About the UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge

The UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge is a community movement and annual ride, run and walk event to raise awareness and funds for cancer research at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and its pediatric cancer partner, CHOC. Every dollar raised by participants goes to promising cancer research. For more information, visit www.anti-cancerchallenge.org.

About the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Center

The UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center is at the forefront of discovering new ways to fight cancer. As one of only 53 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the nation, the center combines leading-edge research, clinical trials and world-class care for patients. In 2020 alone, more than 7,250 new patients benefited from the advanced treatment provided by Orange County’s highest ranked cancer center.

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