This year, I again have the honor of riding as part of a small team, Ekip Onkoloji (oncology team in Haitian Creole), that is fundraising to support the visionary, relentless work of PIH and it partner in cancer care, the Dana Farber’s Center for Global Cancer Medicine (CGCM). Together, they provide state-of-the-art, dignified, comprehensive cancer care in Haiti, Rwanda and other under-resourced settings around the world. With more than half of the global cancer burden occurring in low-and middle-income countries—yet only 5% of resources are being used there— we are attempting to bridge the gap between those who have access to care and those who don’t. Over the past eight years the team has raised close to $350,000 to support cancer care in Haiti, Rwanda, and beyond.

The needs for cancer care and research far outstrip the resources every year; but this year is unlike no other. Multiple changes imposed since January 2025 impact those who face cancer and other challenges today and tomorrow, in the US and abroad. Changes include the complete closure of USAID and cancellation of more than $1 billion of foreign aid; the elimination of foreign partnerships from NIH research grants; the withdrawal of approximately $3 billion of federal research funding from Harvard, Columbia, and other universities; cuts to Medicaid, Medicare; and the list goes on.

In this year's PMC ride, Ekip Onkoloji will be using the funds we raise to support our oncology work in multiple countries:

• Liberia - salary and training for a second oncology nurse, where the first is overwhelmed with demand;
• Haiti - an oncology clinic in Cange to refer people who can’t receive care in Mirebalais due to ongoing gang violence;
• All sites - adapt written patient educational booklets into videos to reach more patients and their families

We have been supporting the provision of cancer care for 10 years and have been working tirelessly to strengthen and grow the programs and services available. Our team consists of nurses, physicians, pathologists, technicians, surgeons, nursing assistants, research staff, and many more. The funds we raise through the PMC will help us continue to strengthen our oncology services.

Our goal is to raise $32,000 together to accomplish this for cancer patients in Haiti, Liberia and beyond.

This year's ride will be as part of a team that will attack disparities in cancer care. I will also ride in honor of people who are affected by cancer: those we know among our friends and family, those we don’t know in the US and around the world, and the 100s of millions who will be affected in the future. Thank you, in advance, for your contribution toward my personal fundraising commitment of $15,000 and Ekip Onkoloji’s goal of $32,000; any amount helps!

My Links

Team Ekip Oncologie's page