Cycliad, a major cycling event benefiting cancer patients, is coming to the Birmingham area Sunday, April 24. Whether it’s a kids’ fun ride, a 10-miler or a multiple-day cycling adventure, a variety of participation opportunities are available. Proceeds from the event will benefit the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center and its unique navigator program pairing a highly trained, nonclinical professional with a cancer patient to help them through their cancer journey.
“Patients need someone to help guide them through the challenges and barriers that cancer treatment presents,” said Edward Partridge, M.D., director of the UAB Cancer Center. “The reality is that with every diagnosis of cancer come fear, anxiety and even confusion. Patients are faced with crucial decisions and have an urgent need for information they can trust. Everyone is touched by cancer in one way or another. This Birmingham community event is a great way to support a program that is absolutely needed and makes a difference in the lives of our patients.”
Now in its second year, the Cycliad event began in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on April 1. The elite cyclists will ride to several UAB Health System Cancer Community Network sites in Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and Alabama, where the navigation program is already very active. The cycling challenge will end in Birmingham on April 24, with a large community celebration at Railroad Park. Birmingham rides, open to all ages, will include:
- 62-mile ride (metric century) at 8 a.m.
- 30-mile ride at 9:30 a.m.
- 10-mile ride at 1 p.m.
- Free kids’ ride at 2 p.m.
The hope is that cyclists and noncyclists alike will participate in the Magic City Cycliad community event. Every participant is challenged to raise funds and make a difference in the lives of cancer patients. Noncyclists can participate by volunteering at the event, attending and cheering on the riders, or making a donation. The public is welcome throughout the day.
Cyclists will be crossing the finish line between 10:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Family-friendly festivities with music, food trucks and kids’ activities will take place beginning at 11:30 a.m. and ending with a closing ceremony at 3 p.m.
For detailed information and to register and/or volunteer, please visit www.cycliad.org or email cycliad@deepsouthcancer.org.