Calhoun Draws Hundreds to Raise Money to Fight Cancer

An estimated 1,000 riders, walkers, and supporters joined the UConn men’s basketball coach for his annual Cancer Challenge Ride and Walk.

Dr. Peter Schulman, member of the Calhoun Cardiology Center riding team, rides with Jim Calhoun. (Brad Horrigan/Hartford Courant, used with permission)

Dr. Peter Schulman, member of the Calhoun Cardiology Center riding team, rides with Jim Calhoun. (Brad Horrigan/Hartford Courant, used with permission)

Dr. Peter Schulman, member of the Calhoun Cardiology Center riding team, rides with Jim Calhoun. (Brad Horrigan/Hartford Courant, used with permission)
Dr. Peter Schulman, member of the Calhoun Cardiology Center riding team, rides with Jim Calhoun. (Brad Horrigan/Hartford Courant, used with permission)

Approximately 1,000 riders, walkers, and supporters joined the UConn men’s basketball coach for the sixth annual NBC Connecticut Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride and Walk Saturday in Simsbury.

The fundraising tally is still being calculated. Early estimates indicate this year’s event will bring in more than $300,000. The Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center and the national group Coaches Versus Cancer share the proceeds.

The event included rides of 10, 25, 50 and 75 miles, and a 5K walk. Calhoun, who had back surgery in late February, completed the 10-mile ride.

From left: Sara Ferguson, Anita Couglin, Bill Dillane, Joyce Fritz, Jim Calhoun, Rebecca Lobo and Jonathan the Husky. (Daniel A. Mercado for UConn Health Center)

Some of the cyclists rode as part of a team. This year the UConn Health Center had five teams:

  • MOHS Movers (team captain: LuAnn Satherlie)
  • Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center (Jody Blumberg)
  • UConn Fritz Free Riders (Joyce Fritz)
  • Calhoun Cardiology Center (Dr. Michael Azrin)
  • The Rosenkrantz Riders (Dr. Ted Rosenkrantz)

This year’s ride was dedicated to the memory of RuthAnn Lobo, who during her 17-year battle with breast cancer was an advocate for cancer awareness. Her daughter, former UConn women’s basketball great Rebecca Lobo, participated in the walk.


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