Cleveland Clinic Philanthropy

With a record number of riders joining the cause, this year’s VeloSano Bike to Cure weekend was our largest event yet, bringing together a powerful community united for one purpose - raising funds for lifesaving cancer research at Cleveland Clinic. Whether you were on the road, volunteering?or cheering from the sidelines, check out the video to be inspired all over again by the heartwarming stories and incredible support that fueled every pedal stroke! #clevelandclinic #velosano #cancerresearch #GivingDoesGood

Helping new parents prepare to bring their babies home is a joy for Diane Cleary, MSN, CMSRN, NE-BC, Director of Nursing, Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital, and Dena Stuart, BSN, RNC-MNN, CLC, Nurse Manager, Childbirth Education and Lactation Services, Hillcrest Hospital. But the nurses’ exuberance can quickly turn to anxiety when they encounter a parent who doesn’t have access to a car seat, breast pump or other resources. “We have moms come to childbirth education and lactation classes who can’t afford these essential items,” says Dena. “It’s become a real concern to us.” “We also were regularly being contacted by social workers, community health workers and others asking for items for families in need,” says Diane. “We wanted to find a way to provide equitable access to resources for underserved families who are uninsured or whose insurance won’t cover an electric pump. We know breastfeeding is the healthiest for the baby and for mom.” Dena and Diane realized this was a problem they could solve with a Cleveland Clinic Catalyst Grant. “The stated purpose of our program is to combat infant and maternal mortality by putting resources in the hands of families,” says Dena. The initiative is “a collaborative effort through Cleveland Clinic with our community health workers, our OB nurse navigators, social work, our childbirth educators and lactation consultants.” Catalyst Grants are funded by thousands of gifts of all sizes from donors annually. The competitive grants are awarded to Cleveland Clinic caregivers with ideas to improve the lives of patients, the organization or communities around the world. Dena and Diane were awarded $49,599. “We were elated to learn our proposal was accepted because it had been so difficult to see families in need of infant care or self-care and not have options for them,” says Diane. “We just didn’t have any way to get these things in the hands of families before.” “We would love to expand to reach more people and address specific constraints these families have,” says Dena. “For example, we discovered larger convertible car seats did not work well for mothers using bus transportation so we purchased smaller car seats that are easier to use with various transportation options. Also, we realized some working moms don’t yet qualify for certain benefits and others have low-birth-weight babies and require special car seats.” As the project manager, Diane tracks where every donated car seat and breast pump goes, ensuring the program reaches neighborhoods with the highest infant and maternal mortality – without refusing access to parents in other communities. So far, the team has distributed 45 breast pumps and 27 car seats. “We’re so very grateful for this opportunity,” says Dena. “It has been such a wonderful gift to share with mothers.” #clevelandclinic #philanthropymatters #GivingDoesGood

Now in its 11th?year, VeloSano holds a special place in our fight against cancer, bringing our community together to support a common goal. This year, I was especially pleased to welcome Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb along on the ride. Every dollar raised by VeloSano Bike to Cure?supports lifesaving cancer research at Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland Clinic Children’s. Since its inception in 2014, more?than $51 million has been raised through VeloSano, advancing 240+ cancer research projects.?Those projects often go on to earn research grants from the National Institutes of Health and elsewhere. This has resulted in more than $85 million in external funds, making the total impact of VeloSano more than $136 million. As a leader in cancer care and research, Cleveland Clinic is committed to easing the burden of disease for patients and their loved ones. Thank you to everyone – riders, volunteers, donors, partners and caregivers – who help support that mission today and every day. To learn more about projects funded by?VeloSano, visit:?https://lnkd.in/ghG9nxkc

We’re thrilled to introduce our new hospital discharge support team made possible by the generous support of the Goudis family. This program was developed to enhance the patient experience and journey, ensuring our care extends beyond the hospital walls. Our dedicated team is making a real difference by: ? Following up with post-discharge calls to ensure a smooth recovery. ? Recognizing and uplifting caregivers because our caregivers appreciate support and encouragement too. ? Breaking down barriers in our processes to make care more efficient. We are grateful to the Goudis family for their commitment to improving patient care. We value your feedback, and our team is listening. Your input helps us continually improve both patient experiences and clinical outcomes. Together, we’re dedicated to delivering exceptional care to you and your loved ones. ??. Thank you to the team including Tim Born, Karen Ladwig, CPXP and Karen Cernock, MBA, CPXP for their planning and support. ?? #PatientCare #CommunityHealth #QualityImprovement #CaregiverSupport #PatientExperience #PatientJourney Cleveland Clinic Philanthropy

Fighting and overcoming testicular cancer was a defining moment in Andras Ponti’s life. In the 12 years since, he’s committed his professional career to helping find cures for cancer through research efforts at Cleveland Clinic. Andras has received a $25,000 grant from VeloSano. He also participated in this year’s annual VeloSano Bike to Cure event. Andras sees it as another journey in his lifelong pursuit to aid patients with cancer, just as he has been helped. Read more about Andras's story: https://lnkd.in/g9baD8cn #clevelandclinic #cancerresearch #biketocure #GivingDoesGood

IMPORTANT WEATHER UPDATE! ? The start of the Kickoff Party is delayed. Gates will now open at 5:30 p.m. ? Other important notes: Parking lots and shuttles (for people and bikes) will open at 5:30 p.m. Drive and Dash will no longer be offered. Volunteers?with shifts during this time will be contacted shortly with further instructions. We're still planning for a fun, inspirational evening and a great party -?but please dress and prepare appropriately for the weather. ? Bike to Cure is a rain-or-shine event and nothing can keep us from our mission to end cancer. We can't wait to see you on Mall B this evening as we bring the amazing VeloSano community together to kickoff our favorite weekend of the year!? Kickoff Party?| 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. ? Program 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Speakers:?Nicole Peters, Executive Director VeloSano;?Serpil Erzurum, MD, Cleveland Clinic Chief Research and Academic Officer and Chair of the Lerner Research Institute;?Alex Adjei, MD, PhD, Chief of Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute and Director of the Taussig Cancer Center Group Photos:?Living Hope cancer patient and survivor community and our Big Wheeler top fundraisers Stay tuned for weather updates at 9 p.m. tonight and 5:30 a.m. tomorrow morning regarding Bike to Cure ride day. ? VeloSano Bike to Cure is a rain-or-shine event. Together, we are VeloSano. Together, to cure cancer.

Our Living Hope community is made up of VeloSano fundraisers who have been personally impacted by cancer. Check out this heart-warming story of Mick McGinnis, a 16-year-old Brunswick High School student who fought cancer and is riding in Bike to Cure this weekend. WKYC Studios Lindsay Buckingham shared his story: https://lnkd.in/gWek5ZEn #clevelandclinic #biketocure #cancersurvivor #GivingDoesGood #velosano

Today is VeloSano Day of Giving presented by Petitti Garden Centers, and we are asking everyone to come together and?help us raise vital funds for cancer research. Thanks to a generous donor, your gift will make twice the impact today!? VeloSano connects the cancer community with Cleveland Clinic’s expanding global impact in research, innovation and care.?For the past decade, VeloSano funding has helped Cleveland Clinic specialists translate ideas into tangible solutions that are changing cancer outcomes around the world.? ? Make a gift and help us work toward a world where no one loses a loved one to cancer. Every dollar makes a difference: https://lnkd.in/gfvEq7jk Together, we are VeloSano. Together, to cure cancer. #clevelandclinic #velosano #cancerresearch #GivingDoesGood

Nothing can keep us from our mission to end cancer! Bike to Cure is a rain or shine event. We are actively monitoring weather conditions to ensure Rider and Volunteer safety. Please continue to check email, text, social media and?velosano.org?for updates at these times:? ? Friday at approx. 1 p.m.? Friday at approx. 9 p.m. Saturday at approx. 5:30 a.m. ? We can’t wait to see everyone at Mall B and bring the VeloSano community together for an inspirational weekend! ? #VeloSano #BiketoCure

For people with neurodiversities such as autism and?attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, hospital waiting rooms can be loud and anxiety-producing. A caregiver at Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital in Florida found a way to help, thanks to support from donors. Read more in the latest edition of INbox, our twice-monthly e-newsletter that shares heartfelt stories about how Giving Does Good at Cleveland Clinic: https://lnkd.in/d7jajNJR #clevelandclinic #GivingDoesGood