Closer to Free Ride

10/15/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Our Little Pub Gift Card Winners! 🎉

A big congratulations to:

⭐ Brenda Kestenbaum
⭐ Mary Pont
⭐ Bud Sielaff
⭐ Patty Erdman

Thank you for taking the time to complete our 2026 Closer to Free Ride survey and share your feedback with us.

Didn't get a chance to participate? The survey is still open, and we'd love to hear from you. Your feedback helps us continue improving the Ride experience year after year.

📝 Complete the survey: www.rideclosertofree.org/surveys

The Closer to Free Ride supports patient care and research at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center. Learn more today at www.rideclosertofree.org.

10/12/2026

WHY I RIDE: CHET KIRBY, TEAM PEDAL FOR DEB

"When my wife of 40 years, Deb, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, we were devastated. Our connection to Smilow grew out of our immediate need for care and the incredible support they provided us during that difficult time. After clear mammogram and ultrasound results in April 2019, Deb discovered a lump herself that October and was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She fought a courageous, selfless six-year battle, never complaining, until we lost her in June 2025.

Family bike rides were always one of Deb’s favorite things as our kids grew up, so joining this ride with our children, Greg and Lynsey, felt like the most fitting way to honor her memory. We’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness of friends and family, from training check-ins to incredible donations. We started with a $3,000 team goal, then hesitantly raised it to $10,000, and have now surpassed $13,000.

I spent the entire summer training for Ride Day. Taking on Ride Day was deeply emotional, but knowing our efforts will help bring others closer to a cure gave us strength. God bless my wife, Deb. She is always in our thoughts and prayers, and every pedal stroke."

10/09/2026

🚴 The 2026 Closer to Free Ride by the Numbers 🚴

✨ 1,933 Riders
🙌 772 Volunteers
🚴‍♀️ 219 Teams
🎗️ 340 Survivors Participating
📍 24 States Represented

From Connecticut and across the country, thousands came together with one shared purpose: supporting life-saving research and compassionate patient care at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center.

Thank you to everyone who rode, volunteered, fundraised, cheered, and made this year's Ride unforgettable.



Smilow Cancer Hospital

10/08/2026

Today, we're recognizing our current Top Fundraising Teams for the 2026 Closer to Free Ride! 🎉

🚴 Team Ray of Hope/Smilow Hematology - $212,032.09
🚴 Team Craft B**r - $181,656.79
🚴 Six Pack Strong - $123,421.70

Together, these incredible teams have raised $517,110.58 to support patient care and cancer research at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center.

Fundraising remains open through December 31.

Interested in supporting a rider or team? Visit www.rideclosertofree.org to make a donation.



Smilow Cancer Hospital

10/07/2026

Today, we're recognizing our current Top Volunteer Fundraiser, Gary Dangle, who has raised an incredible $7,410 in support of the 2026 Closer to Free Ride! 👏

Thank you, Gary, for your dedication and commitment to the Ride.

With fundraising open through December 31, there's still time to donate.

If you'd like to support the Closer to Free Ride and help us get closer to a world free of cancer, please visit www.rideclosertofree.org to make a donation.


Smilow Cancer Hospital

10/06/2026

🎉 Let's hear it for our current top individual fundraisers of the 2026 Closer to Free Ride!

As fundraising for the Ride continues through December 31, we're recognizing the incredible individuals currently leading the leaderboard!

👏 Liz Egan – $112,252
👏 Robert O'Gara – $66,650
👏 Gina Malafronte – $62,629

Your hard work and dedication are helping support patient care and fueling life-saving research at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center. Congratulations and thank you for making a difference!

Inspired by these fundraising leaders? You can help make a difference, too. Donate today at www.rideclosertofree.org. 🚴


Smilow Cancer Hospital

09/29/2026

📸 The wait is over! The 2026 Closer to Free Ride photo gallery is now live.

From the Opening Ceremony to the finish line celebration, your Ride Day memories are ready to be relived. Browse, download, and share your favorites!

View the gallery here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD5z1B



Smilow Cancer Hospital

09/23/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Mark Reitsma Courage Award recipient, Stacey Hubbard.

After losing her husband, father, and mother to cancer, Stacey turned her grief into purpose by founding Team Carl's Crusaders and becoming a tireless supporter of Closer to Free.

When faced with her own breast cancer diagnosis, she met it with the same strength and determination that has inspired so many around her.

A survivor, a warrior, and a Crusader. We are proud to honor Stacey's courage and resilience. 💜



Smilow Cancer Hospital

09/22/2026

Missed the Opening Ceremony at the 2026 Closer to Free Ride?

Take a look back at the inspiring start to Ride Day and relive the incredible energy, inspiring stories, and special moments that make Closer to Free so special.

🎥 Watch here: https://vimeo.com/1228897896/965a3ddfcd?fl=pl&fe=vl

Smilow Cancer Hospital