The Family Reach Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing financial relief to families fighting cancer, raised over $35,000 in contributions from 80 cycling participants and their peer-to-peer donors during this year’s Holiday Spin events at the Lexington and Lynnfield Boston Sports Clubs. 

“People have found deep passion and drive to help families fighting the financial and emotional pain of cancer through these events,” says Kenji Freedman, a USA Cycling Elite Level Coach and Master Trainer at Boston Sports Club.  “When individuals prove to themselves they can endure challenges for others, the giving effect is profound.”

Freedman led the Lexington event while trainer and instructor Judy Insalaco continued her support of the mission by conducting the Lynnfield session.  Participants took part in an intense three-hour spinning marathon, pedaling strenuously for 60 miles. Funds will be used to help over 30 families in New England who have a child or young adult with cancer. 

“Family Reach and these events truly make a difference in people’s lives,” says Leo O’Donnell, a Lexington spin event participant and longtime Family Reach supporter.  “We have witnessed firsthand how cancer can inflict harm on a family, and it is an honor to join other athletes and donors to offer critical support.”

In 2008, Freedman created a series of peer-to-peer endurance events to raise money for families with a child or young adult being treated for cancer through his volunteer work with Family Reach.  Since the first Holiday Spin event in Lexington four years ago, Freedman and Family Reach have conducted over 10 spin events, marathon fundraising programs, road races, extreme cycling challenges and other peer-to-peer initiatives in different parts of the country.  These “Reach Series” events have generated more than $200,000 in total to help families manage the many expenses that accumulate during a patient’s cancer treatment.

“We can see vividly how meaningful these events are to all of the participants,” says Rick Morello, president and co-founder of Family Reach.  “Our Reach Series athletes and donors fulfill ambitious physical and financial goals to help families who are struggling to stay in their homes and support their children who are dealing with cancer, and that is inspiring to all of us.”