Approximately 2,000 stationary cyclists braved the rain to participate in the 7th Annual Skechers Tour de Pier on May 19, 2019. Held on The Strand, overlooking the Manhattan Beach Pier, participants rode for one-to-five hours and helped raise more than $1.5 million for cancer research and services, once again exceeding previous records. Proceeds from the event benefit three cancer charities, whose missions are to accelerate novel research and provide support services for cancer patients and their families, two of which provide significant support for cancer studies at UCLA — the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research and the Uncle Kory Foundation for brain cancer investigations.
“It’s like a dream come true,” said Lisa Manheim, Tour de Pier co-founder and executive director of the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. “Each year, the Tour de Pier becomes better and more exciting, and we’re amazed at the overwhelming support from riders, celebrities, businesses and the community. Thanks to their support, we reached our $1.5 million goal that will advance innovative research and provide resources for cancer patients and their families.”
Lively music and fitness instructors helped motivate cyclists who rode as individuals or as part of a team. The event, sponsored in part by UCLA Health, also featured a free Health & Fitness Expo, a Cardio Kids Zone and interactive health and fitness booths.
UCLA radiology staff members rode in shifts as part of the UCLA Radiology Gold team. They were joined by Ric McGill, director of UCLA Radiology for the UCLA Health partnership with the Los Angeles Lakers; Dr. Timothy Cloughesy (RES ’91, FEL ’92), director of the UCLA Neuro-Oncology Program; Dr. David Nathanson (PhD ’11, FEL ’13), assistant professor of molecular and medical pharmacology; Dr. Robert Prins (FEL ’02), associate professor in the UCLA Department of Neurosurgery; and Dr. Benjamin Ellingson, associate professor of radiology, biomedical physics, psychiatry and bioengineering in the UCLA departments of radiology and psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences.
This year, Tour de Pier expanded its reach with its inaugural event in Seattle, Washington.
For more information, contact Liz Naito at: 310-206-6749
Row 1: (From left) Julie Weiss; Agi Hirshberg, founder of the Hirshberg Foundation; and Elissa Oblath. Row 2: (From left) UCLA alumna, event co-founder and executive director of the Hirshberg Foundation Lisa Manheim; entertainer George Lopez; and Heath Gregory, event co-founder and co-founder of the Uncle Kory Foundation. Row 3: (From left) Two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Mia Hamm; Olympic gold medalist Madison Kocian; and Manheim. Row 4: (From left) Stage riders for the fifth and final hour of the event Dylan Knowles, Jackie Leanza Kessel, fitness instructor PK Kessel, Ricky Bush and actress Liza Koshy.
Photos: Steve Gaffney and Angela Daves-Haley
