Audaxity Bike Ride Raises More Than $1 Million to Accelerate Cancer Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Nov. 13, 2025 – The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Cancer Center recently announced that Audaxity, its new bike ride and community event, raised $1,062,344 to advance groundbreaking cancer research for patients across Wisconsin and the nation. The inaugural Audaxity ride took place on Aug. 17 at American Family Field, uniting 1,074 doctors, researchers, and community members—including more than 100 cancer survivors—around a shared goal to accelerate lifesaving research discoveries and end cancer for good.

The fundraising total was revealed at the Audaxity Impact Party, a celebration marking the close of the first ride and the community’s collective achievement. At the event, MCW leaders shared that these funds will advance three key Center initiatives:

· Our Patient Project, which brings researchers and clinicians together to turn discoveries into more precise treatments.

· A Clinical Research Fellowship Program that trains junior physician-scientists to translate research into better care.

· Community initiatives that bring science to neighborhoods to solve cancer challenges.

“Raising more than a million dollars in our first year is an extraordinary milestone and a testament to what this community can accomplish together,” said Gustavo Leone, PhD, Director of the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center. “These funds will turn bold ideas into discoveries that change how we approach cancer care and how long patients live after it. Audaxity has created a bridge between science and the people it serves, and that connection will drive lasting progress.”

Since fundraising began in January, teams, riders, volunteers, and supporters across Wisconsin have created a powerful movement. Participants showed their commitment in creative ways—organizing bake sales, dunk tanks, food truck events, and neighborhood rides; hosting team fundraisers at local businesses; and dedicating their efforts to loved ones affected by cancer. Together, they generated more than 4,300 donations. With support from founding sponsor Associated Bank, every dollar will directly support the three new initiatives at the MCW Cancer Center.

“Cancer is so far reaching,” said Harriet Pfersch, lung cancer survivor and Audaxity rider. “When you have a loved one that’s been diagnosed with cancer you can feel powerless, but MCW is doing the kind of research that makes you feel like you do have power and that there is hope down the road.”

“The success of the first year proved what can happen when we unite around the common goal of ending cancer,” said Lauren Bennett, Managing Director of Audaxity. “Our team of riders, volunteers, and supporters built something incredible together, and that momentum will only grow stronger as we look toward the next ride.”

The next Audaxity ride will be announced in the coming weeks. Learn more at audaxity.org.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.