Ending cancer takes all of us doing what we can, where we can. It starts in the lab. It starts in our communities. And for Audaxity, it starts on two wheels. The bold new bike ride is rallying people across Wisconsin to fund groundbreaking cancer research—and making sure everyone has a chance to be part of it.
In May, Audaxity brought that promise to life by donating bikes, helmets, and free Cruiser Ride registration for the event, which rolls out on August 17 from American Family Field. Six individuals affected by cancer received new bikes, each complete with personalized name tags and Audaxity-branded lights to make it official. More than just gear, it was a clear message: you belong here.
The giveaway was made possible by founding sponsor Associated Bank, whose senior leaders recently assembled and donated 25 bikes as a team-building activity during its annual offsite. Spectrum News 1 captured the event, helping share how this hands-on partnership is making the ride more accessible and amplifying Audaxity’s community impact.
“This is what the power of community looks like,” said Gustavo Leone, PhD, MCW Cancer Center Director and Audaxity Co-Chair. “What we’re doing here is making a small investment in somebody’s life so that they can be part of something bigger, and that’s cancer research.”
The first recipients—cancer survivors, caregivers, and advocates—were selected by the Cancer Center Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) team, which builds strong connections with local communities and works to ensure the Center’s programs and events—like Audaxity—reflect the people they’re meant to serve.
“Audaxity is a ride for everyone, and that means making sure we remove barriers to participation,” said Debra Nevels, MSHCM, Program Manager, COE. “With the amazing support of Associated Bank, we’re creating opportunities for more people to be part of something bigger.”
Monique Morris, a cancer survivor, sees the ride as a chance to reconnect with her family and her health after a difficult chapter. “It’s a great way for us to spend time together doing something that improves our overall health,” she said.
For Jameelah Mahmoud, a colorectal cancer survivor and advocate, joining Audaxity is a continuation of the work she’s already doing in the community. “I feel like we’re doing the work, and to be acknowledged for that—it just feels great,” she said.
After receiving their bikes, the group toured the research lab of Navonil De Sarkar, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pathology and fellow Audaxity rider. There, they saw how their involvement fuels discoveries and helps move cancer research forward, one breakthrough at a time.
The Audaxity team will donate the rest of the bikes ahead of the event this summer, because in the ride to end cancer, everyone deserves a place on the starting line.