Crush Cancer – Putting a Local Spin on Cycle for Survival

Jeff Fritz

Cancer took my father from our family far too soon, leaving me without him at a very young age. At the time, later-stage diagnoses often were viewed as an intractable challenge. Today, thanks to incredible advancements in research and early detection, the outlook for similar situations is much brighter. Crush Cancer is doing vital work—not only by raising funds to push forward life-saving research, but also by keeping awareness and education at the forefront of our community. The efforts make a meaningful difference, and I’m proud to support the remarkable namesake mission.

Max Gonano

I was asked to help highlight cancer’s effects on the fire service. I am a firefighter for the City of Virginia Beach as well as the Virginia Beach Professional Fire & EMS union president. Cancer is the #1 killer of firefighters nationwide and there has been an unacceptably high rate of cancer in the Virginia Beach Fire Department in the last several years. Anything to support awareness or advances in treatment is very important to us.

This event is a confluence of hope, remembrance, defiance, and action. We owe it to everyone we have lost to cancer to continue to fight for better treatments and outcomes to help future generations.

Lindsey Haught

I became involved with Crush Cancer because I’ve witnessed the devastating impact that cancer has on individuals, families, and communities. I felt a strong calling to contribute to an organization dedicated to fighting this disease and supporting those affected. Being part of this board allows me to make a difference, using my time and resources to help drive meaningful change.

This event and its mission are deeply personal to me. It’s about coming together as a community to stand with those who are fighting, to honor those we’ve lost, and to fuel progress toward a cure. Each year, I am moved by the stories of strength and resilience and am reminded of the critical importance of our mission.

I’m proud to serve alongside a passionate team that is truly committed to this cause. Together, we’re not just raising funds; we’re fostering hope, raising awareness, and building a support network for those in need. I look forward to seeing how we can continue to expand our impact in the future.

Brittany Jeffries

My employer is a founding sponsor of Crush Cancer, so I’ve had the wonderful opportunity of being involved since the 1st year. The event is 100% volunteer-driven, and the passion and dedication of the teams, riders, and all involved is inspiring and hopeful. I look forward to staying involved for many more years to come.

Cancer research has made substantial strides, but there is still so much work to do to end cancer. At least half of all cancer diagnoses are considered rare, including all childhood cancers. Rare cancers have limited treatment options and research is underfunded. Funds raised by Crush Cancer directly support Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and its lifesaving research, treatment advancements, and ultimate mission to end cancer!

Each year my husband, children, family, friends, and coworkers all participate in this cancer crushing event! It’s for all ages and at all levels of fitness. Even if you rarely or never ride a stationary bike, this event is still for you!

Jennie Rawlings

My commitment to Crush Cancer is rooted in a spirit of love and a desire to serve. Cancer has touched my life in waves, beginning with the loss of my cousin at just 14 years old to a rare leukemia. I carry the memory of my grandfather’s strength as he walked his own difficult path with lung cancer. More recently, during the quiet isolation of the pandemic, our family was shaken by the sudden passing of my wonderful father-in-law – his battle with pancreatic cancer lasted only a few months, leaving a void that still feels so very present, and reminds us how precious and fleeting our time together can be.

Yet, in the midst of these shadows, I see the light of resilience every day. My sister stands as a testament to hope as a breast cancer survivor, and I hold several dear friends close in my heart as they navigate their own courageous journeys today. The event is such a beautiful day of reflection and remembrance; it is a sacred time to honor the souls we have lost, while serving as a powerful reminder that we must take action for those still in the fight. I believe we are called to be a source of hope for one another. By supporting Crush Cancer, we are providing the tools for groundbreaking research and eventually healing this world of such a heavy burden. I ride so that fewer families have to endure the sorrow of a premature goodbye, and I give with the faith that we are stepping closer to a world where this disease no longer holds power over the ones we love.

Mark Rosenfield

My dad died from a rare form of lymphoma, robbing him the opportunity to see his four granddaughters grow up and be participatory in their lives. Research will enable others to be grandparents and positively impact their families by sharing their life experience, wisdom, and love.

Crush Cancer does the important work of raising funds for research that impacts all cancers, which provides hope to all affected. It also carves out time for me to remember my dad each year and do something that honors his legacy and impact on me.

Virginia Rountree

I got involved with Crush Cancer at the very beginning due to my husband passing after a 21-year fight with cancer. Tree (my husband) was the founder of Monarch Bank, who became our top sponsor for the event until Towne Bank bought them out, but Towne continued with the sponsorship. Since the beginning, “TeamTree” has been a great way of honoring my husband and also raising money for a great goal… to beat cancer! Also, my sister passed from lung cancer this year, so I definitely believe in doing whatever I can to raise money, support research on cancer, and help family, friends, and our community who have to deal with this horrible disease.

Jacqueline Schillereff

Ten years ago, I had the great opportunity to embark on a journey to change the world.

My WHY has been so clearly defined since I became an original member of our amazing Organizing Committee. It is a privilege and honor to collaborate with such an incredible group of intelligent, kind and compassionate people. And every year, the opportunity to support and connect with our heroes is an uplifting and deeply moving experience.

My WHY additionally began when I lost my first hero and mentor, my great grandmother, Priscilla Alden Laing Porter. Her legacy of kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness and grace inspires me every day.
I became involved as an original partner in Onelife Fitness to help establish our mission, our story, and our Team. I have built so many wonderful friendships through the process.
The event, and our shared mission, give us the incredible opportunity to change lives and ultimately make the world a better place. I have always believed that giving back is the greatest gift of all.
The power of working together truly ignites something that cannot be achieved individually…and when you clearly focus on your mission and your ultimate goal, you can make magic happen!
The collective community we have assembled is phenomenal…what began as a handful of passionate individuals has blossomed into an incredible network of thousands who are united to our shared purpose. I am so grateful for everyone who has become part of our life changing movement.