There’s a group in Greenville that bikes ~1,300 miles every year to raise money and awareness for cancer research. They’ve had a documentary made about them, they’ve met Patrick Dempsey, oh... and did I mention they’ve raised ~$1.7 million for local cancer care?

Meet Challenge to Conquer Cancer – a small group based in Greenville that’s doing really big things.

The group was founded in 2005, when a group of friends (who had all been affected by cancer in some way) came together to host a cycling event. They were officially established as a non-profit in 2008, the same year they established the annual Challenge to Conquer Cancer (C3) relay ride.

In 2012, the C3 destination moved from Austin, TX to Lewiston, ME. That year, they also established a partnership with the Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing.

Now in their 14th year, Challenge to Conquer Cancer is gearing up to embark on their ride to Maine. Here’s how it works:

4-5 teams of up to 5 riders each will bike from Greenville to Lewiston over the course of seven days.
To complete the ~1,300 mile route, they’ll collectively bike 15-16 hours per day.
The cyclists are followed by SAG vehicles (support and gear) and medical teams.
When they get to Lewiston, the team will participate in the 5K Walk and 25 mile bike ride at the Dempsey Challenge.

Funds raised through C3 benefit Prisma Health - Upstate Cancer Institute, the Cancer Association of Anderson, and the Dempsey Center.

Pretty cool, right? If you like what they’re doing, here are a few ways you can learn more about the group + get involved.

Help send the team off tomorrow morning at the Cancer Institute of Prisma Health (900 W. Faris Rd.). Arrive before 8:15 a.m. – there will be a small ceremony at 8:30 a.m. with takeoff at 9 a.m. sharp. Come prepared to cheer on the cyclists, cowbells welcome.
Make plans to watch the documentary that was made about Challenge to Conquer Cancer called RIDE. It hasn’t been released quite yet, but you can watch the trailer for it here.
Participate in a future ride. In addition to the 7-day event, they now host a 2-day Ride to Maine and the C3 Coast to Coast.
For more ways to get involved with Challenge to Conquer Cancer (whether you’re a cyclist or not) visit their website here.

Best of luck to this year’s cyclists. We’ll be rooting for you from Greenville – BTW, say hi to Dr. McDreamy for me.

Question

Do you know of another Greenville organization that is doing great things for the community? Tell us about them below.