Every mile in the Great Cycle Challenge helps fuel childhood cancer research – and more moments that matter for kids and families facing cancer.
For Charlotte, Kai, Kylie, Jasper and Emma – our 2026 Great Cycle Challenge Ambassadors – research isn’t confined to the lab. It's present at home, on bike rides, at playgrounds, in classrooms and in the everyday moments of childhood. Their experiences are why riders across the country are changing what's possible, helping kids spend more time making memories and less time in treatment.
Now in its 12th year supporting Children’s Cancer Research Fund, the Great Cycle Challenge has inspired riders across the country to log more than 38 million miles and raise over $87 million for childhood cancer research. Every mile brings us closer to better treatments, more personalized therapies, fewer side effects and more moments for families finding their way through cancer.
Charlotte, age 4
Charlotte is bravely fighting B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and is currently in maintenance treatment after months of intensive chemotherapy.
Even during treatment, she finds joy in the everyday – playing with her sisters, riding her pony, and biking outside.
Her mom, Emily, shared, “Charlotte has shown more courage and resilience than we could have ever imagined.”
For Charlotte’s family, research is personal. “A single dollar donated in her honor is worth tenfold as it is investing not only in Charlotte’s life, but in every child who will face this fight in the future.”
Kai, age 3
Kai is undergoing treatment for neuroblastoma, which has included chemotherapy, surgery, and ongoing hospital care.
On the hardest days, he still finds joy in small things – especially riding his bike and being surrounded by family who show up for every moment.
His mom shared, “Children shouldn’t have any worries or concerns besides picking which toy they want to play with today. We need to advocate for childhood cancer research to protect these innocent kids.”
It’s why research matters to Kai’s family – to create more moments of childhood that aren’t defined by hospital rooms and treatment schedules.
Kylie, age 10
Kylie is courageously facing cancer for the third time after her original diagnosis in 2022 and a relapse in early 2025.
Between treatments, her family focuses on holding onto moments that feel like childhood again – time together, laughter when it comes, and simply being together at home.
Her parents shared, “We need funding for research and development of new protocols that will lead to better long-term outcomes.”
Kylie’s experience underscores the urgent need for research that reduces relapse and protects the childhood moments kids deserve.
Jasper, age 5
Jasper is in maintenance treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and is expected to ring the bell in September.
As treatment has eased, he’s been able to return to school, sports, and the everyday moments he loves most.
His family shared, “Physical activities that are fun have been so good for him… his progress is amazing to watch.”
This stage of Jasper’s journey reflects the importance of research that preserves not just treatment, but the everyday moments of childhood along the way.
Emma, age 3
Emma is fighting acute myeloid leukemia with RAM phenotype, a rare and aggressive form of AML.
After chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, she has completed frontline treatment and is now in maintenance therapy.
Her treatment has been shaped by access to innovative therapies made possible through research.
Her parents shared, “Emma’s story is special because cancer research enabled her to stay active through an otherwise challenging diagnosis and treatment.”
Her experience shows how research can save more moments of childhood even during the hardest parts of treatment.
Join the Ride to Fight Kids’ Cancer
Charlotte, Kai, Kylie, Jasper, and Emma are each at different points in treatment – but together, their stories reflect what childhood cancer really looks like: unpredictable, relentless, and lived in the middle of everyday childhood moments that should feel routine.
It’s the bike rides in the living room. The time spent in hospital rooms with a favorite blanket. The return to school after months away. The setbacks that come without warning. And the quiet, hard-earned moments of joy in between.
Children’s Cancer Research Fund supports research that changes what’s possible – driving safer treatments, better options, and more moments that matter for kids and families facing cancer today.
Every rider. Every mile. Every dollar. It all helps move research forward so kids can spend less time in treatment – and more time being kids.
Join the Great Cycle Challenge and ride for childhood cancer research. Visit GreatCycleChallenge.com to sign up.
