On June 8th, our APBD Tour de Friends team gathered on the ground in Philadelphia, biking, walking, and scootering, while over 271 virtual participants and donors joined in support from across the country. Together, we soared to new heights at the 2024 Million Dollar Bike Ride (MDBR) for rare disease research, hosted by the University of Pennsylvania’s Orphan Disease Center (ODC).
Our community set a new fundraising record this year, reaching $134,742. That total includes the ODC’s $30,000 match and a $40,000 match from our Foundation’s Board of Directors.
A special shout-out and thanks to our peer-to-peer fundraising team leaders: Alan Beletz, Steven Pfeffer, Melanie Robinson, Bethany Katz, Larry Arky, Adam Knoll, and Richie Goldstein. Thank you to each of you for partnering with us!
The APBD Research Foundation’s participation in the MDBR program over the past nine years has supported our researchers at Columbia University, Duke University Medical Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, University of Florida, Newcastle University, and Hadassah Medical Organization.
Alan Beletz, an APBD patient who led the on-the-ground efforts this year, shared, “This is my second year participating in the MDBR — it was fantastic on many fronts. Joining this type of outing makes me feel good. I can’t ride a bike, but seeing everyone who can wake up early to attend the MDBR and make it a success for people like myself made me feel a little special.”
He added, “Many riders don’t know me personally, but their efforts are not taken for granted. And my family—my two sons, my two daughters-in-law, and our beautiful grandson Ledger—were all in for me! Every one of them was in place by 6:30 AM.” With additional thanks for his wife, Alan noted, “This year, Marla not only took care of my stuff (which is a lot!), but she also handled snacks, water bottles, registration, and sunblock duty. Thank you, Marla!”
Harriet Saxe, the driving force behind our participation in the MDBR, has poured her heart into every detail, leading our fundraising and cycling team for nine seasons. She shared her motivation for continuing to support the event. “There had been no treatment options for other Saxes, but I am determined to change the story for my husband Chuck and other patients with APBD. This partnership with Penn’s Orphan Disease Center gives our family hope for raising the much-needed funds to advance APBD research so one day we can have treatments and ultimately a cure.”
Our heartfelt thanks to each of you who participated in and gave generously to the 2024 MDBR for rare disease research.