On Thursday evening, Jan. 26, local non-profit Paceline presented a check to the Georgia Cancer Center from its 2022 fundraising season, and handed out awards to key volunteers and participants.
After experiencing a 25% participation increase from 2021, Paceline documented over 400 people rode their bicycles in the organization’s major annual Fall event – PaceDay. As a result of increased support and new volunteers, Paceline was able to raise 20% more funds than 2021 to donate towards innovative cancer research.
Paceline presented a check with a grand total of $400,000 – the most in any year since Paceline’s first event in 2019. This donation marked the non-profit’s cumulative total money raised for cancer research to over $1,050,000.
“Cancer affects us all,” said Director of the Georgia Cancer Center Jorge Cortes. “I think we need to recognize those that have invested their energy, their time and their money in supporting Paceline … the amount of time, effort and energy that they spend is just incredible … they’re doing it because they care about this community.”
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The program’s community has funded thirteen innovative cancer research projects – including projects investigating: cancer prevention and advancing treatments for various types of cancer.
“We’re going to fund a good number of projects that will cover the spectrum of what we do. Everything from trainees to direct community programs,” said Cortes. “This funding is critical for the research that our investigators do – this helps them to go for some new ideas and discoveries … all these things eventually translate into better ways to treat patients, and eventually understanding the cancer better or even curing it.”
Thanks to operational funding provided by the Medical College of Georgia Foundation and several corporate partners – such as Georgia Power, Southern Nuclear and Synovus Bank – 100% of all participant-raised dollars supports research at the Georgia Cancer Center.
To celebrate the outstanding volunteer hours and dedication, Paceline held its first awards ceremony where the organization’s founder, and president congratulated individuals for their achievements. Award categories included: Top Volunteer, Top Team, Top Fundraiser, Rookie of the Year and more.
“I think, simply put, you are our community’s movers and shakers in the fight against cancer,” said Paceline President Martyn Jones. “Many of you inspire others to get physically active and look after themselves – do something better for themselves and for our community; I think most of, if not all of you, do something to inspire others to do just that. That’s special too.”
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Jones said communities should care about curing cancer because the illness, directly or indirectly, affects everyone. With participants ranging from 10 to 80-years-old in fundraisers, Jones described Paceline as the community’s way of curing cancer together through research and funding alternative treatments.
“There’s nothing like getting a room of fantastic people, many of whom are amazing cancer fighters in our community, together to celebrate this wonderful achievement,” he said.
Rookie of the Year winner, Sarah Boehnlein, said she got involved in Paceline after having to quit running due to back problems.
“I like challenging myself. Events themselves are so much fun, but training is a lot of work. It keeps you healthy, but it’s the events that are so rewarding” said Boehnlein. “I have to say, this organization is fantastic. From day one, when I signed up, [the staff and community] was just behind us the whole way.”
Boehnlein said becoming a part of Paceline made her feel as though she had joined an elite club that allowed her to help others whilst having fun. She advised those interested in getting involved to focus on having fun – no matter one’s physical capabilities.
Nathan Edwards, winner of the Paceline’s Top Volunteer of the Year award, said he was extremely honored to be presented with the award in honor of his aunt and two grandmothers – who recently passed away this year, and battled cancer in the past.
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“It means a little bit more,” he said. “It’s definitely been something I’ve enjoyed being a part of since the beginning back in 2019. I’ve lived here all my life, so I enjoy giving back to the community.”
Edwards said everyone knows someone touched by cancer; it is “nondiscriminatory,” which makes involvement in Paceline crucial. He believes everyone should take part in volunteering for the non-profit to provide the Cancer Center with more funding and research opportunities.
“I think for many there’s a real appetite in the community for wanting to do something meaningful in the fight against cancer,” said Jones. “We really can’t put on that event and others without volunteers – so, really it’s about everybody coming together.”
For the first time, registration will be completely free for anyone wishing to participate in 2023’s PaceDay on October 14 and 15. Registration will open on February 15 to the public and will cost nothing.
“Paceline is a movement,” said Paceline Founder Dag Grantham. “The most important thing you can walk away with tonight is that together we can cure cancer faster.”
Paceline will be hosting their next fundraiser on May 5 at the Forest Hills Golf Club, with a Classic Golf Tournament. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/forest-hills-golf-club-augusta-ga/cure-cancer-classic-golf-tournament/860961748391512/
For more information on Paceline and their upcoming fundraisers, visit: https://fundraise.pacelineride.org
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
