13 Bristol Myers Squibb employees rode 225 miles as part of C2C4C to help fund cancer research and honor the people who inspire them every day.
When Gale Force 5 arrived in Kansas City, MO, they completed a 225-mile journey that was about more than cycling. The BMS team rode in honor of family members, friends, patients and loved ones whose lives have been touched by cancer.
Their ride was one leg of C2C4C (Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer/Country 2 Country 4 Cancer/Continent to Continent for Cancer), a global fundraising effort that brings together more than 325 employees across 30 markets. Together, participants rode nearly 6,000 miles to support cancer research.
Now in its 13th year, C2C4C has raised more than $21 million for cancer research globally since 2014, driven by a shared belief that supporting patients extends beyond the office.
Nine teams relay across the country over 28 days. Each carries the weight of the mission for their stretch of road before passing it to the next. Right in the middle of it all, sandwiched between the first four segments and the final four, is Gale Force 5.
As the fifth relay team, the group knew exactly what awaited them across the open plains between Denver and Kansas City: wind. The name is a nod to both their position in the relay and the challenge ahead.
Beyond just relevant information about Bristol Myers Squibb's therapeutic areas and innovation, Our stories offer a window into the work our employees do every day for patients.
Every member of Gale Force 5 brings a personal reason for riding. For some, it is a family member currently facing cancer. For others, it is a friend, colleague or loved one whose experience continues to inspire them.
Patricia Parada, executive director, Access Strategy Integration - International Markets
Patricia understands this mission from many perspectives. As a BMS employee and a caregiver, she knows firsthand the challenges families face when cancer enters their lives. Her experience fuels every mile she rides.
Jerome Lebrun, vice president, Commercial Procurement
Behind every rider is a list of names. For Jerome, those names are Jacques, Ramon, Javi and many other relatives in his life who have been touched by cancer over the years. "Jacques was an older friend and a guiding reference in my early years. Ramon and Javi, friends since university, have spent years courageously battling cancer and remain a true source of inspiration and resilience for me. Along with many relatives touched by this disease, they are my reason for riding."
Sheila Faulcon, senior HR coordinator
Sheila is riding for her mother-in-law, who is courageously battling multiple myeloma, and for her sisters-in-law, both cancer survivors. "Cancer has touched my life in too many ways, and this ride is my way of honoring them all."
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano. To date, it has funded more than $500 million in cancer research grants across North America through a rigorous, competitive process. Because the V Foundation uses an endowment to cover administrative costs, 100% of direct donations goes to cancer research and programs.
When Gale Force 5 reached Kansas City, they completed their leg of the relay, but the impact of the ride extended beyond the final mile. Every rider had a different story, yet they shared one purpose: helping advance cancer research for the patients, families and communities who depend on it. For Gale Force 5, the journey was always about more than miles.
Learn more about C2C4C and how to support cancer research:
Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. As global citizens, we work sustainably and responsibly to create a positive impact in the communities where we live and work.
