Cycle for Survival Surpasses $400 Million Raised for Rare Cancer Research

Cycle for Survival, the official rare cancer fundraising program of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), is thrilled to announce a historic milestone in the movement to beat rare cancers: $400 million raised since the program began in 2007. All the money has funded the groundbreaking work of doctors and scientists at MSK, a world leader in rare cancer research and care.

Generating this amount of philanthropic support has taken an unparalleled level of dedication from Cycle for Survival’s founding partner, Equinox, and more than 1.2 million donors and participants, including patients, caregivers, and survivors as well as MSK clinicians, researchers, and staff. Every year, this community unites in Equinox clubs nationwide to ride stationary bikes led by renowned group-fitness instructors, share powerful stories, uplift one another, and drive meaningful impact.

For participants Jeff and Nataly Cavagnaro, joining Cycle for Survival was a way to give back to MSK after their 3-month-old son, Cameron, was successfully treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia by pediatric oncologist and Bristol-Myers Squibb/James D. Robinson III Junior Faculty Chair Neerav Shukla, MD, and his team. On March 9, Jeff and Nataly will be riding as Team Cameron Tough at Equinox East 61st Street in New York City. “Cameron is still with us today because of events like Cycle for Survival and because of Dr. Shukla and his research,” said Jeff Cavagnaro.

Rare cancers, which include blood, brain, ovarian, pancreatic, and all pediatric cancers, receive less research funding than more common types of the disease. Cycle for Survival has filled this

gap by supporting studies that give scientists a far deeper understanding of rare cancers and how to treat and cure them. Funding from Cycle for Survival has contributed to the development or testing of at least six FDA-approved treatments for rare cancers as well as paved the way for diagnostic innovations like MSK-IMPACT®, a targeted tumor-sequencing test that helps match patients to the therapies or clinical trials that will most benefit them.

“We are at a moment of unprecedented hope and opportunity in the fight against rare cancers, and MSK researchers continue to make progress at a staggering pace thanks to the generous support of the Cycle for Survival community,” said MSK President and CEO Selwyn M. Vickers, MD, FACS.

Cycle for Survival was founded in 2007 by the late Jennifer Goodman Linn, an MSK patient and Equinox member, and her husband, Dave Linn. Eighteen years ago, the couple gathered a group of friends and family for an indoor cycling ride in New York City. With just 230 people and 50 bikes, they raised an initial $250,000 and planted the seeds for what is now Cycle for Survival.

The partnership of Equinox has helped transform Cycle for Survival from a local fundraiser into an international movement. Equinox generously co-hosts Cycle for Survival events in its clubs, and its world-renowned cycling instructors volunteer to lead the rides.

“Every participant, donor, and survivor has made an extraordinary impact on Cycle for Survival,” said Scott Rosen, Executive Advisor of Equinox. “Together with MSK and our Equinox community, we will continue to make a tremendous difference in the movement to beat rare cancers.”

The 2025 Cycle for Survival season features signature team stationary-cycling rides in over 20 locations around the country as well as a brand-new SoulCycle ride experience in Chicago and New York City. This year’s rides have been made possible by the partnership of ICAP; Cycle for Survival’s Official Performance Apparel Sponsor, Vuori; and Cycle for Survival’s Official Hydration Sponsor, Essentia® Water. Be the first to know about upcoming events by joining the Cycle for Survival interest list at cycleforsurvival.org/interest-list.