Letters to the Editor, Opinion
April 29, 2026

Bicyclist Fights Cancer

To the Editor:

I’m honored to be a teammate for Blood Cancer United’s Team in Training campaign, and I’m writing to ask for your support as I work to help advance their mission: ensuring access to cures and treatments for blood cancers.

This June, I’ll be fulfilling a long‑held dream by bicycling 100 miles at America’s Most Beautiful Ride in Tahoe alongside hundreds of dedicated, cancer‑fighting athletes. My personal goal is to raise $5,000, all of which will go directly to Blood Cancer United in support of its vision of a world without blood cancers.

Like many of you, I’ve witnessed the devastating impact of leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. My son’s father passed six years ago and my dear friend Ralph Siggins 16 years ago. I’m dedicating this ride to them and to all who continue to fight. My goal is set, and I’m asking for your help. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

There are many reasons to support Blood Cancer United. Approximately 40% of new cancer therapies approved by the FDA since 2000 were first approved for blood cancer patients. Many of these therapies—supported by Blood Cancer United—have also led to advances in treating other cancers, including bone, brain and breast cancers. Your contribution has the power to create ripples of progress across the entire cancer landscape.

If you’d like to support my ride, please visit pages.lls.org/tnt/ team/ambbr26/EMcBride, call 518-956-0565 or email me at jogmcbride@gmail.com. Thank you for your generosity, friendship and support. I’ll keep you posted as the campaign progresses.

Erin E. McBride, Eureka

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