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Cancer Researchers Join Local Cancer Survivor
for First Leg of Bike Trek Across America
Proceeds to support research at Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center
Durham (June 17, 2010)—Local cancer survivor Martin “Marty” Smith will partner with Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center Director H. Kim Lyerly, MD, and cancer researcher Lee Jones, PhD, as he begins his 3,000 mile bicycle journey across America, all in an effort to raise awareness and funds to support cancer research.
On Tuesday, June 29, at 7 a.m., Smith will join Lyerly and Jones at Duke’s Morris Cancer Clinic to launch the journey, dubbed “Martin’s Ride.” Smith will ride from Duke to Santa Monica, CA. All funds raised will benefit research at the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Smith’s story is one that resonates with many. What began as a cold that wouldn’t go away ended with a diagnosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Smith received treatment at the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center from oncologist Louis Diehl, MD, and his staff. Today, Smith is one of 11 million cancer survivors living in America.
“I encourage anyone who is a cancer survivor, family member, supporter or cancer research advocate to join me as I strive to create a movement around an important idea—together we can cure cancer in our lifetime,” said Smith.
Lyerly and Jones will join Martin on the first leg of the trip to Greensboro. “The Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center is changing the world through great discoveries in research,” said Dr. Lyerly. “We are delighted to support Martin; we share his passion for finding a cancer cure in our lifetime.”
In addition to the Greensboro stop, Smith’s journey will take him to interesting and scenic locations across the country, including Memphis: Little Rock, AR; Tulsa; Amarillo, TX; Sante Fe; Flagstaff; and Los Angeles. Smith will blog about his cycling experience on his website at www.martinsride.com. For more information about and/or to donate to Martin’s Ride, please visit www.martinsride.com.
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About Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center
Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of only 40 centers in the country designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a “comprehensive cancer center.” Duke combines cutting-edge research with compassionate care. Its team of nationally recognized physicians and staff treat more than 7,000 new patients per year. The Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center is ranked as one of the top 10 cancer hospitals in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Hospitals" survey. For more information about Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, visit www.cancer.duke.edu.