2024 UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge raises record $1.5 million for critical research

2024 UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge raises record $1.5 million for critical research

Funds drive pioneering studies for cancer prevention, treatment and cures

Orange, Calif. - The eighth annual UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge set new records with 4,200 passionate participants and a remarkable $1.5 million raised to combat cancer. The Oct. 5 event, the largest ever, was held in Aldrich Park at the heart of the University of California, Irvine campus to support research at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and its pediatric affiliate, Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC).

This achievement raises total contributions from the UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge community to $6.2 million. Since its inception in 2017, the annual event has funded $4.7 million in grants for 123 pilot projects and early phase clinical trials. These innovative research efforts have attracted an additional $44.7 million in external funding for discoveries that are poised to revolutionize cancer diagnosis, treatment and care.

The event raised 50% more than the previous year and attracted 34% more participant teams, a signal that the community has fully embraced the UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge mission - bringing an end to cancer - said rally founder Richard A. Van Etten, MD, PhD, director of the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center based in Orange County.

Significant milestone

"Breaking fundraising and participation records underscores the incredible dedication of our community in the fight against cancer," Van Etten said. "The $1.5 million raised this year will significantly advance our cancer center's mission to combine world-class research, prevention, cutting-edge diagnostics and top-tier treatment to offer the best care for patients and their families in Orange County and beyond."

The annual ride, run and walk event has consistently ranked among the Orange County Business Journal's top five community fundraising efforts, holding the No. 2 position in 2022 and 2023.

Van Etten is gratified by the outpouring of community support, which he attributed to increasing awareness of the groundbreaking research and treatment offered by the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, its newly opened hub on the UCI Health - Irvine campus and other clinical locations throughout Orange County.

"This year's UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge has notably exceeded expectations, solidifying its role as a cornerstone event in Orange County that unites UC Irvine staff, faculty, patients and the wider community," he noted.

"It not only allows individuals to connect over a shared mission to end cancer, but also provides them with updates on the impactful projects funded by their contributions. Participants can see where their donations are going and know that every dollar they raise directly supports research across all cancer types. This insight into the tangible results of their support has strengthened the community's commitment and further established the UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge as a beloved annual tradition."

Event day excitement

Van Etten, UCI Health President and CEO Chad T. Lefteris and UC Irvine School of Medicine Dean Michael J. Stamos, MD, started the day ushering road cyclists on rides of 14 miles to 100 miles, mountain bikers traversing Crystal Cove State Park and participants in 5K and 10K run/walks.

The day also featured a wellness festival and a UCI Health pavilion offering community health education. Entertainment included the Anaheim Ducks Street Team, a special performance by dancers with the Onco-Ballet Foundation and live musicians.

This year, KTLA reporter Carlos Herrera set a spirited tone as the opening ceremony emcee. He also interviewed several participants to share their stories, including this year's patient honoree.

Celebrating honorees

Megan Yoo Schneider, our 2024 patient honoree and an ovarian cancer survivor, shared her inspiring journey from diagnosis to becoming a strong advocate for early detection and greater awareness of the disease.

In September 2022, she underwent successful surgery at UCI Douglas Hospital. Her surgeon, Dr. Robert E. Bristow - a board-certified gynecologic oncologist and our 2024 physician honoree - has dedicated his career to gynecologic cancer prevention and treatment.

Bristow, chair of the UC Irvine School of Medicine's Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, has been a consistent supporter of the annual challenge. He and Yoo Schneider are now co-captains of the team Ovary Achievers, which raised more than $28,000 for cancer research this year.

Dedicated sponsors

The unwavering support from our corporate sponsors ensures that participant contributions directly fund cancer research. This year's sponsors included Club Studio, Hensel Phelps, LA Fitness, University Credit Union, the Anaheim Ducks, the Honda Center and Kanani Advisory Group.

Our Partners in Research - individuals, teams and corporations that raise or donate $50,000 or more to the UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge - comprises steadfast supporters such as Team Answer for Cancer, Monster Energy Cares, Hensel Phelps, Team Michelle, Lynn Capouya Inc., as well as new partners Driving Out Cancer, Hathaway Dinwiddie, Hyundai Hope on Wheels, Team Chao Family/Merage School and Team Keenan.

"Almost everyone has been touched by cancer, whether personally or through a loved one," Daniel Keenan, captain of Team Keenan. "The only way to find cures is through research, and research costs money. My friends and family thanked me for participating in the UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge because it gives them an opportunity to contribute to such an important cause."

Keenan was diagnosed with stage III pancreatic carcinoma earlier this year. His commitment to the cause, fueled by his personal cancer journey and friendship with Van Etten, led him to take a more active role in this year's event. He established Team Keenan, rallying more than 90 participants to raise over $115,000.

All $1.5 million raised this year will be awarded to novel studies proposed by leading cancer center clinician researchers and basic scientists. The awards will be announced next year.

Donors interested in supporting cancer research and participating in the ninth annual UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge - to be held Oct. 11, 2025 - can reach us at [email protected].

Learn more about the UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge ›

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About UCI Health

UCI Health, one of California's largest academic health systems, is the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. The system comprises its main campus UCI Medical Center, a 459-bed, acute care hospital in Orange, Calif., four hospitals and affiliated physicians of the UCI Health Community Network in Orange and Los Angeles counties and ambulatory care centers across the region. Recognized as a Top Hospital by The Leapfrog Group, UCI Medical Center provides tertiary and quaternary care and is home to Orange County's only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, high-risk perinatal/neonatal program and American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, gold level 1 geriatric emergency department and regional burn center. UCI Health serves a region of nearly 4 million people in Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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