Meet the founders of Cycle for Survival

Cycle for Survival was founded in 2007 by the late Jennifer Goodman Linn — a Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) patient and Equinox member — and her husband, Dave Linn. Jen’s legacy has inspired an extraordinary community that’s committed to beating rare cancers.

Cycle for Survival founders Jennifer Goodman Linn and Dave Linn, pictured in matching black Spin4Survival T-shirts, in 2007.

Transforming hope into breakthroughs

Since 2007, Cycle for Survival has raised more than $400 million for rare cancer research at MSK, turning a vision into a critical catalyst for lifesaving breakthroughs.

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A movement is born

The history of Cycle for Survival

Jennifer Goodman Linn turned her experience as an MSK patient into a nationwide movement funding rare cancer research.

Soon after Jen and Dave Linn married in 2003, Jen was diagnosed with MFH sarcoma, a rare cancer. During her treatment at MSK, Jen founded Cycle for Survival (then Spin4Survival) in 2007 to give back to her care team. The first indoor cycling event at Equinox Columbus Circle raised $250,000 and sparked what has grown to become Cycle for Survival.

Fueled by fearless determination

Inspiration that continues

Jen’s vision was more than a fundraiser. It created a community that celebrates, grieves, and transforms shared experiences into purpose.

Throughout her seven-year battle with cancer, Jen remained unstoppable in her commitment to raising funds and supporting people facing rare cancers like hers. Though we lost Jen in 2011, her fearless determination and passion continue to inspire us.

An ongoing commitment

Driving Cycle for Survival forward

Dave Linn remains a trusted partner to and passionate advocate for Cycle for Survival. His presence and dedication to this community strengthen it.

Dave is driven to create a brighter future for people facing rare cancers—one filled with hope, better treatments, and new cures. Whether lending his perspective, sharing his and Jen’s story, or riding with friends and family at Cycle for Survival events across the country, Dave's energy and leadership remind us what we can accomplish together.

Watch: The story behind the movement

Jen and Dave wanted every person with cancer to beat their disease. Together, they ignited a movement.

A legacy of lasting impact

Jennifer Goodman Linn, founder of Cycle for Survival, smiling and laughing as she cycles on a stationary bike.

Jennifer Goodman Linn (1971–2011), Founder of Cycle for Survival. Jen’s legacy lives on through our collective impact.

A stationary bike at a Cycle for Survival event bears a sign that reads “Jen’s Bike: In honor of our inspiring founder who sparked this powerful movement.”

At Cycle for Survival events across the country, a select few participants are invited to ride Jen’s Bike. This special honor is a reminder that every person has the power to make a difference in the fight against rare cancers.

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Cycle for Survival founder Jennifer Goodman Linn, raising her arms and smiling while dancing.

Jen loved to dance! In fact, Cycle for Survival events are often described as a “dance party on bikes!” Watch Jen’s spirited personality as she celebrated her last birthday, her 40th, by dancing.

Let’s dance

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Honoring Jen and accelerating breakthroughs

In 2012, MSK dedicated the Jennifer Goodman Linn Laboratory of New Drug Development in Sarcoma and Rare Cancers in memory of Jen. The MSK community wanted to give Jen and all who love her this high honor, recognizing her incredible advancement of rare cancer research.

Every ride powers progress

The Jennifer Goodman Linn Laboratory is one of many rare cancer initiatives fueled by this community. Jen’s vision continues to drive innovation across MSK, honoring her legacy and accelerating breakthroughs for people everywhere.

More areas of impact

Fuel lifesaving cancer breakthroughs with us

By joining Cycle for Survival, you become part of the MSK Giving community of over 1 million donors and supporters who create more hope, possibility, and cures for every person with cancer.

Ride with us

Get more information about our events, how to participate, and the impact of your fundraising.

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Start your own fundraiser

Organize a fundraising event or create an online fundraising page. Every dollar you raise will fuel the next generation of breakthroughs in rare cancer care.

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