Cycle for Survival: New York

I’m participating in Cycle for Survival for the 7th time and 3rd time as 'Cats Crush Cancer captain to raise money for rare cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). 

The majority of our team is some combination of Villanova classmates, roommates, lacrosse teammates and sorority sisters (and some sibling honorary wildcats!) and we are riding in support of every person who is currently undergoing treatment, who has been impacted by a family member with cancer or who could be in the future but specifically riding to honor our dear Villanova friends who have been successfully treated for cancer at MSK, Elizabeth Firth (Nova '03) and future Wildcat Class of 2043, Will Bonichi, son of Anna Lisa (Giustini) Bonichi ('Nova '02).  

In February 2021, Will was diagnosed with Stage IV High Risk Neuroblastoma at 14 months old. Neuroblastoma is a rare and aggressive cancer the forms from immature nerve cells and most often occurs in children under the age of 5. At the time of diagnosis, the cancer had metastasized to 12 areas of Will's body including his bone marrow. Over the course of more than a year, he underwent an aggressive treatment plan that included high dose chemo, proton radiation, major surgeries and immunotherapy. Through treatment, Will earned his nickname "Will the Warrior" showing us how to battle the disease with strength, courage and perseverance. Today, Will is 5 years old, cancer free and thriving. He is currently enrolled in a neuroblastoma vaccine clinical trial at MSK until 2026.

Will's family formed the Will the Warrior Foundation (a registered 501c) in 2022 to raise awareness and funds for neuroblastoma research as well as support other families impacted by the disease. Currently high risk neuroblastoma has a 65% relapse rate and 50% survival rate. Our hope is that with increased funding for research for more targeted and less toxic treatment options, the survival rates will continue to improve and one day a cure will be found.

Every dollar makes a difference because 100% of all funds raised through Cycle for Survival go directly to rare cancer research at MSK. Our team has elected to direct our funds to Neuroblastoma research. 

Give to Beat Rare Cancers
Rare cancer research is significantly underfunded. As MSK’s official rare cancer fundraiser, Cycle for Survival helps fill the gap. Since 2007, this community has enabled hundreds of doctors and scientists at MSK to pursue bold ideas that continue to transform how rare cancers are diagnosed and treated.

Your tax-deductible gift can give people with rare cancer a better future.

50% of People With Cancer Have a Rare Cancer
About half of all people with cancer have a rare form of the disease. Rare cancers include many types you’ve likely heard of, such as leukemia and lymphoma; thyroid, ovarian, brain, and pancreatic cancers; and all pediatric cancers.

100% of Your Donation Supports Research
Every dollar you give will go directly into MSK labs, where researchers have expertise in more than 400 types of cancer. Funding from Cycle for Survival has led to the FDA approval of new drugs, lifesaving clinical trials, and state-of-the-art DNA sequencers.

Real Impact, Real Fast
Your donation will be allocated within six months after fundraising ends. Not only does Cycle for Survival fund critical research but it also makes sure that donated dollars get into the hands of MSK experts as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your generosity!