WVU Medicine Providers Ride in Support of Blood Cancer Patients
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America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride, now in its 32nd year, is a fundraising event that takes cyclists on a challenging 35-, 72-, or 100-mile ride around scenic Lake Tahoe. The event supports the LLS, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education, resources, and financial support to patients. WVU Medicine and WVU Medicine Children’s are sponsors for the event. Close to home, the LLS provided $1,054,500 in assistance to West Virginia blood cancer patients and caregivers during its 2024 fiscal year.
While in attendance at last year’s event, Dr. Emadi witnessed more than 2,000 riders cross the finish line – some rode 100 miles on hand bikes, while others tackled the course only 100 days after their final chemotherapy treatment. This was more than enough inspiration for Emadi, who decided to not only sponsor the event but to also form a team and ride in it.
“As a physician and scientist dedicated to treating blood cancers, I see firsthand the impact these diseases have on patients and their families,” Emadi said.
“When someone finds out that I take care of kids with cancer, there’s an audible sigh and then they say, ‘That must be so hard,’” Dr. Tomboc said. “My job is not nearly as hard, painful, or stressful as being diagnosed with cancer or having a child with cancer. This ride is a small bit of suffering to hopefully raise money so my patients can have a future.”
During the event, WVU Medicine participants will highlight a pediatric patient, speak on various topics, and present on thought leader panels. Emadi plans to drive to the event, and on his way across the country, he intends to meet and collaborate with colleagues at various stopping points to showcase the programs at WVU Medicine.
“Participating in LLS’s America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride is more than a challenge – it’s a commitment to pushing forward in the fight against leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers,” Emadi said. “Every mile we ride fuels research, advances treatments, and brings hope to those battling blood cancers. I ride not just as a doctor, but as a human who believes we can – and must – do more to save lives.”