Closer to Free Ride

08/30/2026

08/27/2026

🚨 HAPPENING TONIGHT!!🚨

The 2nd Annual Hops for Hospice fundraiser from 5-9 p.m. at New England Brewing Co. in Woodbridge.

Enjoy live music, food trucks, silent auction items, and more!

You won't want to miss this great night!

08/27/2026

Please join us in supporting Team Puck Cancer's Team Takeover this Sunday, August 30 from 12-6pm, at New England Brewing Co. in Woodbridge!

Enjoy live music, great food, family-friendly fun, and help support their Closer to Free Ride fundraising efforts.

We hope to see you there! 💚💙

08/26/2026

Tune in to NBC Connecticut today at 4:30 and 6:15 to hear from the O’Gara family about their first Closer to Free Ride and how personal this ride is for them.


Smilow Cancer Hospital

08/25/2026

🌻 Scratch for Hope! 🌻

Support Team Ray of Hope's Closer to Free Ride fundraiser with a chance to win big!

🎟️ $20 per ticket 🏆 Winner receives 50 $10 scratch-off tickets ($500 value) ✨ Only 100 tickets will be sold

Every ticket purchased helps support Team Ray of Hope/Smilow Hematology.

See flyer below for additional information and payment details.

08/24/2026

Join the 2nd Annual Hops for Hospice fundraiser on Thursday, August 27, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM New England Brewing Co. in Woodbridge.

Enjoy an evening of live music, food trucks, ice cream, raffles, silent auction items, and more, all in support of hospice care.

If you're able, please consider attending and helping support this meaningful cause. Every attendee can make a difference.

📍 New England Brewing Company, Woodbridge, CT
⏰ 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

08/21/2026

A beautiful tribute to a beloved colleague. 💙

Meet Team Jackie Surges On, riding in this year's Closer to Free Ride in honor of nurse Jackie Jermine and continuing her legacy of compassion and care.

Watch their story:
https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/yale-new-haven-hospital-team-will-ride-closer-to-free-in-memory-of-beloved-nurse/3767098/

Smilow Cancer Hospital

One Closer to Free team of Yale New Haven Health clinicians is changing its name — and adding a special reason to ride. The group is honoring nurse Jackie Jermine, who spent 20 years caring for patients at Yale New Haven Health hospitals in New Haven. “She’s one of the nicest people you would ...

08/21/2026

We need your help on September 19!

Help our riders navigate the route safely and smoothly on Ride Day! Working alongside event staff and local police, you’ll serve as extra eyes, ears and encouragement at key intersections and locations; think friendly crossing guard meets enthusiastic cheerleader! Please note: Volunteers do not direct vehicular traffic.

As a member of our mobile team, you'll use your own transportation and coordinate your location and schedule with the Route Manager. Whether you have an hour or a full day, any time you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Some of the towns we need help in include: New Haven, Hamden, North Branford, Wallingford, Durham, Chester, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Guilford, Branford and East Haven.

Interested in being part of our Road Crew/Route Safety Team? Please register as a volunteer at www.rideclosertofree.org.

Questions? Please email [email protected].

08/21/2026

We are so proud of these kids! 🍋 Maeve and Willa have raised approximately $900 (and counting!) through their 2nd Annual Lemonade Stand benefiting the Closer to Free Ride. Their friend Dax joined the team this year, and they even had their Papa helping wave in cars. 🚗💛


Smilow Cancer Hospital

08/20/2026

Tune into NBC Connecticut at 4:30 and 6:15 today to hear from Shilpa Mistry and Sheyla Marranca of Team Jackie Surges On about this years team created in memory of a longtime work colleague and friend.


Smilow Cancer Hospital