Meet the 2026 Cycle for Survival Game Changers

What it means to be a Cycle for Survival Game Changer 

Established in 2018, the Cycle for Survival Game Changer Award recognizes members of our community whose leadership, generosity, and dedication move our mission forward. These honorees don’t just participate — they help redefine what is possible for rare cancer research at MSK. 

Across the country, Game Changers have shown up year after year with bold ideas, fearless fundraising, and an unwavering belief that patients with rare cancers deserve better answers. From building powerhouse teams to expanding into new cities to inspiring colleagues, families, and entire communities, their impact extends far beyond the bike floor. 

A community driving rare cancer research forward

The 2026 Game Changers span cities, generations, and personal connections to cancer, yet they are driven by a common purpose: to accelerate progress for patients with rare cancers. Honorees include longtime Extreme Riders, founding participants, family teams carrying forward powerful legacies, corporate champions who expand employee engagement, and community leaders who bring Cycle for Survival to new audiences.

Some have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars; others have surpassed the million-dollar mark. Many have done both. What unites them is not only what they’ve raised, but how they lead: with heart, creativity, resilience, and an unrelenting commitment to making this community stronger for everyone.

Their collective impact fuels innovative rare cancer research across MSK, helping scientists ask bigger questions, move faster, and develop new treatment options for patients who urgently need them.

Your 2026 Cycle for Survival Game Changers

We are proud to recognize 20 extraordinary individuals and families as 2026 Cycle for Survival Game Changers. Each honoree’s story is unique — but every one reflects the power of community-driven fundraising and the life-changing impact it has on rare cancer research. 

From coast to coast, these Game Changers embody the best of Cycle for Survival: leadership that inspires action, generosity that fuels discovery, and a belief that, together, we can change outcomes for patients everywhere. 

We are deeply grateful for their trust, passion, and commitment to this mission, and we are honored to celebrate them as 2026 Game Changer Award recipients. 

Rachael Bradley – Radiate Joy (Boston) 

An Extreme Rider and Decade Rider, Rachael has raised more than $580,000 as a Leaders Circle member and expanded the mission by launching new teams in Boston and Philadelphia, a true family-driven force for rare cancer research. 

Catherine and Dan Buell – Bailey’s Warriors (Summit, New Jersey) 

In just four years, Bailey’s Warriors has raised over $4 million, including becoming the first team to exceed $1 million in a debut season, growing from 10 bikes to a major exclusive ride, filling 120 bikes. The New Jersey–based team rides in honor of Bailey, whose kindness and positivity inspired so many. 

The Goodman Family – A Mission Continued…Jennifer Goodman Linn, Em&m’s Make More Cures (Summit, New Jersey) 

For 20 seasons, the Goodmans have carried co-founder Jennifer Goodman Linn’s legacy forward, showing up nationwide with love and leadership, and surpassing $1 million raised with their Summit, New Jersey, team. 

Jason Harinstein – Eye of the Tiger (Paramus, New Jersey)

A 12-year rider and Leaders Circle Co-Chair, Jason has strengthened the community, helping recruit 25 new Leaders Circle members since June 2024 and amplifying support for rare cancer research. 

Beth Linn – BL Bombers (Chicago) 

With more than $375,000 raised, Beth pairs heart with innovation. She has sparked program-wide ideas like end-of-ride QR code sign-ups and has actively recruited teams across Chicago and beyond. 

Barb Solit – Team HOPP (New York) 

For 15 years, Barb has built an extraordinary national presence, leading teams across 14 locations and raising more than $4.3 million, while consistently bringing new people into the Cycle for Survival community. 

Karen Soler – Team WillPower (New York) 

Now in her 19th year, Karen leads WillPower across the East Coast: New York City, Boston, Westchester, and Darien. She shares the mission tirelessly and rises to every fundraising challenge in support of MSK research. 

Emily Portney – Team BNY (New York) 

A Cycle for Survival supporter since the beginning, Emily has helped grow corporate engagement over the years. In 2025, she launched BNY’s first firmwide exclusive event, rallying more than 400 colleagues and senior leaders to beat rare cancers. 

Gia Fruscione – Team Suzi G (Philadelphia) 

For eight seasons, Gia has led a top national team and raised nearly $1.5 million for ovarian cancer research at MSK. She shows up across cities in honor of her mother, Susan, and powers progress year after year. 

Samantha and Dave Mann – The Other Sam’s Club (Westchester, New York) 

Since 2019, Samantha and Dave have raised more than $1.3 million with bold, focused leadership. They have fueled research tied to an extremely rare sarcoma and strengthened Cycle for Survival through new ideas and close partnership. 

Liz Healy – Team Check Your Colon (Darien, Connecticut) 

Liz turned her diagnosis into advocacy, amplifying colorectal cancer awareness and early detection while rallying nearly 50 riders and creating lasting impact across MSK, Cycle for Survival, and Fred’s Team. 

Christina Trujillo-Ayoub – Pedaling Sunshine – SF (San Francisco) 

Christina has raised more than $693,000 through years of dedicated leadership. She first captained Team OG Spinderellas, growing it into a more than $600,000 team, and continues that legacy today as the leader of Pedaling Sunshine – SF. A top individual fundraiser year after year, Christina is always pushing how Cycle for Survival can do more. 

Jim Walberg – The Bay Area Team (San Francisco) 

With more than $781,000 raised, Jim rides with deep purpose, taping names to his bike each year in memory and leading with the belief that “to whom much is given, much is required.” 

Kelli Real – PerseVerance – Real (South Bay, California) 

A 13-year rider, Kelli captains Team PerseVerance – Real, a key part of the Team PerseVerance community that has raised more than $2 million Kelli fosters a culture defined by compassion, commitment, and the kind of energy that inspires others to show up fully for the mission. 

John Karaczynski (West Los Angeles) 

A familiar face for 14 years and an Extreme Rider, John has raised over $439,000, pairing endurance with steady leadership, original Cycle for Survival spirit, and a genuine way of showing up for others. 

Jamie Weiss – Gold Ribbon Riders (Long Island, New York) 

Jamie leads a powerhouse community that has raised nearly $4 million for Cycle for Survival — directing every dollar to MSK Kids — and has spent nine seasons pushing what is possible for children facing cancer. 

Rocky Ribacoff – Rocky’s Roadies (Long Island, New York) 

A Decade Rider with nearly $800,000 raised, Rocky’s fearless advocacy includes leading her team and recruiting Equinox instructors to power the Long Island ride — game-changing energy in action. 

Sara, Chuck, Molly, and Jack Hawkins – Team Ladyhawk (Washington, D.C.) 

Since joining in 2023, Team Ladyhawk has brought celebration and heart. They have raised $1 million in four years and honored Sara’s legacy with the kind of community leadership that’s only just beginning. 

Rosemary Wilson and Tony Nero – Crush Cancer 

Rosemary and Tony brought Cycle for Survival to Virginia Beach in 2015 and built Crush Cancer into the highest satellite fundraiser in Cycle for Survival history, with over $2.7 million raised alongside colleagues and friends. 

JJ Sailer – Team EQX and Team PerseVerance – Sailer (Los Angeles) 

As Equinox’s Senior Director of Philanthropy Operations, JJ helps make Cycle for Survival possible. Beyond this essential role, she leads Team PerseVerance – Sailer, which has raised over $2 million in Los Angeles, including a record $299,000 season.