RIDING FOR ADAM
Believing we will see an end to cancer!
ADAM: OUR INSPIRATION
Adam was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma in November 2016. It was the second time cancer would impact his life. But cancer would not stop him from living, from loving. Nor would it diminish his faith.
Adam really disliked the home page photo for one reason: he hated being without his beloved mop of ginger! But for us, it reveals why he inspires us: Despite any uncertainty, knowing that he was loved gave him the strength to face whatever lay ahead. His life wasn't about 'cancer' but about living, being grateful, sharing love, and being full of real joy! And this became an example for anyone that knew and loved him.
Our motivation is simply our love of Adam, and there are two ways we would like you to understand Riding for Adam:
Riding for Adam. Every time we ride, we carry Adam with us. We remember his life, his humour, and the impact he made on so many people’s lives. We wish he was with us. Yet as we ride we can ‘hear’ him cheer us on…
Riding for Adam. Adam is a Hebrew name, which is related to ‘red’ (appropriate, given his ginger hair). But it also is a generic term for ‘humanity.’ So, when we ride for Adam, we ride for everybody because the benefits of research are universal. We ride for those whose lives will be changed by cancer, for their families and loved ones. And our Adam would approve, because he was ‘other’ minded.
We always ride with hope. We hope for an end to cancer, for a day when cancer becomes an entry in history books. And this hope is not wishful thinking, for scientists are blessed with an incredible intelligence and they are discovering ways to make that hope reality. Hope is based on the trajectory of past discoveries, current developments, and future outcomes. Or as we find in the Bible, and conflating hope with faith, ‘Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen’ (Hebrews 11.1).
Enjoy the photos. They are but a small glimpse of his life. And as you do, see how much he embraced life!
THE RIDES
1 Hope. 2 Cyclists. 3 Countries. 7,625 Miles.
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THE RIDERS
JAMES VAN CLEEF
James is Adam's dad. Born in the USA, but moved to the UK to marry Penny, the love of his life. Moved around the UK when working for The Salvation Army, and has also worked in a school in the North West of England. Now dabbles in gardening, serves in his local church, and helps Penny look after Dad. Cycling is a recent interest, having been asked by Mark, 'Do you fancy cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats?' And having forgotten he said, 'Yes.'
MARK BAYLISS
Mark is Adam's uncle. Born in the UK, and stayed in the UK to marry Karen, the love of his life. Has moved around the UK as a chartered surveyor, estates manager, and dedicated teacher. Also serves his local church. Visionary. Committed. Authentic. And really started 'Riding for Adam' with an idea to do something hugely challenging to raise money for Cancer Research UK. When we reach Santa Monica, CA, Mark says his bike is going over the pier!
FLAME OF HOPE AWARD 2021
Mark and James were nominated by their Cancer Research UK representatives for the charity's 'Flame of Hope Awards.' Our category was 'Fundraising Volunteer of the Year 2021'. Both the nomination and winning the award were a complete shock. At the same time, we are grateful for the recognition and support from Cancer Research UK. We received the award in November 2021, and we were privileged to be in a room full of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly for CRUK. Our efforts play a small part in the enormous work that CRUK undertakes.
Cancer Research UK Registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247) A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered Office Address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ
CANCER RESEARCH UK’s mission is to see the day when all cancers are cured.
Cancer is a global issue and it’s on the rise, with 18.1 million new cases diagnosed in 2018 worldwide and 29.5 million new cases projected for 2040 (IARC Globocan, 2018).
Investing an average of £430 ($500) million per year, Cancer Research UK is the world’s largest independent funder of cancer research. With research spanning six continents, Cancer Research UK believes that only by working together with partners globally will it achieve its mission.
Cancer Research UK has helped to:
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develop 8 of the world’s top 10 cancer drugs
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prove the link between tobacco and cancer
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prove the value of screening and early detection
With your help, Cancer Research UK could do so much more.
Click here for more information about sarcoma and Cancer Research UK's work in sarcoma today
American Association for Cancer Research
615 Chestnut St., 17th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106-4404 USA
Telephone: 215-440-9300
Email: aacr@aacr.org
American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the first and largest cancer research organization dedicated to accelerating the conquest of cancer. Through its programs and services, the AACR fosters research in cancer and related biomedical science; accelerates the dissemination of new research findings among scientists and others dedicated to the conquest of cancer; promotes science education and training; and advances the understanding of cancer etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment throughout the world.
The mission of the American Association for Cancer Research is to prevent and cure cancer.
Some numbers to think about:
18 MILLION Americans are living with, through, and beyond their diagnoses thanks to spectacular cancer research.
The number of cancer cases is expected to
increase by 45% by 2030
The AACR has awarded more than $545 million
to cancer research in the past 30 years.
And researchers need more!
OUR SPONSORS
HOW TO SUPPORT US
DONATE
Online
The easiest way to give is to choose the appropriate link below.
If you are a US tax payer, or you would like to support the American Association for Cancer Research, click
If you are a UK tax payer (for Gift-Aid purposes), or you would like to support Cancer Research UK, click
Business Sponsorship
Your sponsorship or support will be greatly appreciated, especially as we cover all our own expenses.
Please contact us by email
SPREAD THE WORD
Social Media
Follow us on
(Using #ridingforadam)
In Person
Tell everyone you know! Tell them about Adam. Tell them about Mark and James cycling across the USA to raise money for life-saving cancer research. Ask them if they've been impacted by cancer, and want to see an end to it...
SHARE IN THE FUNDRAISING
Supporting fundraising events
We invite you to do some of your own fundraising for 'Riding for Adam' when it is safe to do so. Consider organising a bake sale, or car boot sale, or host a quiz night (Adam loved quizzes). Set yourself a target (£100, £250, £500, £1,000) and get in touch and tell us what you'd like to do to help
'Riding for Adam.'
Please contact us by email