Greenville, South Carolina, September 17, 2025
News Summary
A courageous group of cyclists from Upstate South Carolina began the annual Challenge to Conquer Cancer charity bike ride, covering over 1,000 miles from Greenville to Lewiston, Maine, to raise funds for cancer treatment. This year they have raised approximately $200,000 for local cancer care facilities. Community support continues to grow, especially for coach Steve Scolamiero who is battling melanoma, while local organizations also assist cancer patients through transportation grants and initiatives.
Greenville, South Carolina – A dedicated group of cyclists from the Upstate began their journey in the annual Challenge to Conquer Cancer charity bike ride this past Saturday. The event is designed to raise funds for cancer treatment, with the cyclists embarking on an arduous journey of over 1,000 miles from Greenville to Lewiston, Maine.
As of now, the campaign has successfully raised approximately $200,000 to support cancer centers throughout the Upstate region. The organizers report that between 85% to 90% of these funds will directly benefit local cancer care facilities. This annual bike ride has become a key event for the Upstate community, showcasing not just the physical endurance of its participants, but also the unyielding spirit to support those facing the challenges of cancer.
One of the cyclists, John Siddens, has highlighted the group’s strong determination to overcome the physical difficulties associated with such a long-distance ride. Their motivation comes from a place of empathy and commitment to helping those battling cancer. The unity demonstrated by the cyclists reflects the broader community effort to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families.
In a related note, the Greenville community is currently rallying behind coach Steve Scolamiero, a longtime athletics director and former head coach of the Red Raiders’ baseball team. Scolamiero is presently hospitalized due to melanoma, facing his third battle with the disease. Known for leading the Red Raiders to several championship wins between 2007 and 2014, the coach’s situation has raised concerns and garnered support from community members who are actively expressing their concern for his health.
In addition to these endeavors, the Prisma Health Cancer Institute has received a $17,500 grant from the American Cancer Society aimed at aiding patients with transportation during treatment. This grant is part of a larger initiative, comprising a total investment of $9 million by the American Cancer Society to support nearly 63,000 patients nationwide. The transportation grant seeks to alleviate hurdles that cancer patients face, ensuring access to necessary and timely treatments.
Moreover, Northwestern Mutual – Upstate SC, in collaboration with Furman University linebacker Evan DiMaggio, is actively participating in the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Cancer Champion Competition. This initiative encourages student-athletes to raise funds for childhood cancer research. Northwestern Mutual has committed to donating $10 for each completed #LemonTopChallenge, aiming for a total contribution of $100,000.
Through these collective efforts and events, the Upstate community is demonstrating a robust support system for individuals affected by cancer, reflecting compassion, resilience, and a shared commitment to making a difference.
FAQ
What is the Challenge to Conquer Cancer charity ride?
It is an annual cycling event organized to raise funds for cancer treatment facilities, where participants ride from Greenville, South Carolina, to Lewiston, Maine, covering over 1,000 miles.
How much money has been raised so far in the event?
The event has raised approximately $200,000, with a significant portion going to local cancer centers.
What support is being provided to cancer patients by local organizations?
Prisma Health Cancer Institute received a $17,500 grant from the American Cancer Society to assist patients with transportation during treatment.
Who is coach Steve Scolamiero?
He is a former athletics director and baseball coach at Greenville, known for leading the Red Raiders to multiple championships and currently battling melanoma.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Challenge to Conquer Cancer charity bike ride |
| Distance | 1,000 miles from Greenville, SC to Lewiston, ME |
| Funds Raised | $200,000 |
| Beneficiary | Cancer centers in Upstate SC |
| Community Support | For coach Steve Scolamiero during his battle with melanoma |
| Transportation Grant | $17,500 grant from American Cancer Society |
| Childhood Cancer Initiative | Northwestern Mutual’s participation in Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation competition |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Charity Bike Ride for Cancer Centers
- Greenville Online: Coach Steve Scolamiero’s Battle with Cancer
- Fox Carolina: Prisma Health Cancer Institute Awarded Grant
- National Fisherman: From Fishing Tragedy to Fighting Cancer
- Google Search: Upstate Cancer Support
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
