‘Cycle for Survival' event held in Bethesda to raise money for cancer research

BETHESDA, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - More than 36,000 people across the country are riding in the annual Cycle for Survival indoor bike ride, which raises money for cancer research.

Dozens showed up to Equinox in Bethesda to participate in the event Sunday morning.

The Cycle for Survival movement gives 100 percent of the money raised from these events to groundbreaking research and clinical trials to change the way cancer is diagnosed and treated.

Many people who attended the events have personally been affected by cancer.

Like 17-year-old Meaghan Kilner, who recently celebrated her last day of chemotherapy.

"In January 2017, Meaghan was diagnosed with a rare cancer -- Pediatric Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She went through the standard cancer treatment they've had for the past 50 years, and a month after treatment ended she relapsed. In the fall of 2017, [she] was able to go into a clinical trial that brought her to us today," said Meaghan's mom Maura Kilner.

"You don't expect when you're 17 to be sick," said Meaghan. "But coming here today and being able to ride with cycle for survival has really been healing."

Cycle for Survival rides are being held in 16 cities across the U.S. through the month of March.

It's raised more than $200 million for rare cancer research since it was founded in 2007.