Charity ride supports NJ cancer patients

Biking enthusiast Scott Glickman is using his own cancer recovery to pay it forward and give thanks to the hospital that helped save his life.

In the late 1990's, Glickman was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and underwent his treatment at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

He was unsure if he would ever be able to ride once again.

But, after a successful treatment at CINJ, Glickman was back on two wheels and determined to help others dealing with a similar diagnosis, while giving thanks to the the hospital.

"I was just so grateful to the fantastic nurses, doctors that worked at CINJ," Glickman said. "I had to do something for them more than bring them cookies and bagels when I recovered."

In 2005, he rallied a dozen friends for what would be the first Century for the Cure charity bike event. From that initial fundraiser, the charity ride has grown at a staggering rate.

To date, Century for the Cure has raised nearly $1.5 million for CINJ to help find new and innovative therapies for cancer.

"Whatever you do for them isn't going to be enough compared to what they did for me," he explained. "So, this is my way of just continuing to say thank you."

The event has drawn hundreds of riders over the past decade, who have traveled some 87,000 miles for the cause. Glickman said 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to the Cancer Institute.

The 11th Annual Century for the Cure bike ride takes place on Sunday, Sept. 20, at Camp Riverbend in Warren, NJ.

The event features activities for all ages and three different bike routes, including 40-mile, 62-mile, and 100-mile treks. While it has raised an amazing amount of money, it has also served as a way to bring the community together to raise awareness for this vital issue.

"It's well-supported and it's a not a race, it's a charity ride. You ride at your own pace, and I guarantee there will be a burger waiting for you when you get back."

Find out more about this great New Jersey event by visiting the Century for the Cure website and Facebook page.