Warren Twp. Man on Two Wheels Helps Raise $1.2M for Rutgers Cancer Institute

Who knew that two wheels and a big dose of endurance could be a big boost to cancer research? Thanks to the annual "Century for the Cure" bike ride, founded by Warren Township resident Scott Glickman, $1.2 million has been raised since 2005 to support the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.  

A final tally of $170,000 from this year’s event, which was held this past September in Warren Township, recently was announced by the institute.

Each year, "Century for the Cure" draws more than a hundred riders, dozens of volunteers and numerous “virtual participants” — those who choose not to make the 100-mile, 80-mile or 40-mile treks but give their support online.  

As someone who understands the institute's role, ride founder Scott Glickman battled stage four non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma some 15 years ago and was successfully treated at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey.  

"Century for the Cure" helps supports cutting-edge research at the Cancer Institute, comprised of a network hospitals throughout the state committed to providing the highest quality cancer care and rapid dissemination of important discoveries into the community. 

Research grant founded

Most recently, funds raised from the ride helped establish the first-ever "Century for the Cure" research grant. A pair of $50,000 grants was awarded to physician scientists from the Cancer Institute of New Jersey and other investigators from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, to further enhance exploration of blood cancers.

Glickman knows first-hand that support of cancer research is important. “The research being conducted today could result in the scientific breakthroughs of tomorrow. My wife Aileen and I are proud that so many people take part in "Century for the Cure" each year.  

The contribution of participants — whether they ride, donate or volunteer on race day — is making a tremendous impact.

Thanks to our corporate donors, 100 percent of rider-raised funds are given to the Cancer Institute,” said Glickman.

Glickman and his family were at the Cancer Institute recently for a check presentation ceremony with Dr. Roger Strair, chief of the Hematologic Malignancies/Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Program at the Cancer Institute. 

Funds raised through the event help to support cutting-edge clinical trials being conducted by Dr. Strair, who was Glickman’s oncologist. “Thanks to Scott and Aileen’s continued dedication to "Century for the Cure," we are making scientific discoveries that are translating into new therapies for patients.

We are grateful for their efforts and for all of those who support the event,” noted Dr. Strair, who is also a professor of medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. 

This year's event was co-sponsored by Overton Custom Brokers, Genentech, Benefit Sources & Solutions Chadler, JMK BMW, Capital One Bank, Stop & Shop, and others. 

For additional information about "Century for the Cure," visit www.centuryforthecure.com.

About Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (www.cinj.org) is the state’s first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. As part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey is dedicated to improving the detection, treatment and care of patients with cancer, and to serving as an education resource for cancer prevention. Physician-scientists at the Cancer Institute engage in translational research, transforming their laboratory discoveries into clinical practice, quite literally bringing research to life. To make a tax-deductible gift to support the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, call 732-235-8614 or visit www.cinj.org/giving.