News release from Pedal the Cause…
Young Olivette Resident Receives Top Honors
by Honoring His Mother & Supporting His Father’s Research
Pedal the Cause presents Clare Blase Spirit Award to Ben Linehan
ST. LOUIS (Feb. 25, 2013) — Pedal the Cause is pleased to announce that sixteen-year-old Olivette resident and Ladue High School student, Ben Linehan, is the recipient of the 2013 Pedal the Cause Clare Blase Spirit Award.
“We are extremely excited that Ben is receiving this award as he truly embodies the same incredible spirit as Clare,” said Carrie Benson Sweigart, COO of Pedal the Cause. “This award was created in 2012 to honor the memory of Clare Blase and her enthusiasm, determination and inspirational leadership in raising funds and awareness for Pedal the Cause and cancer research.”
Pedal the Cause is the premier cycling experience in the region and the pinnacle event of the year. Pedal the Cause is the only St. Louis event that gives 100% of participant donations to accelerate lifesaving cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Ben started participating in Pedal the Cause in 2012 to honor his mom, who is a two-time cancer survivor. In 2013, Ben rode 50 miles to create awareness for Pedal the Cause, and has raised more than $5,500 to accelerate lifesaving cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Ben has distinguished himself a leader in the Pedal the Cause community by ranking amongst the top fundraisers and earning a Yellow Jersey two years in a row.
Ben’s commitment and understanding of the importance of funding cancer research goes beyond his mother’s experience. Ben is part of the Pedal the Cause Pancreas Cancer Road Warriors Team, a team that was started by his father, Dr. David Linehan. Dr. Linehan is a Professor of Surgery / Chief, Section of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic & Gastrointestinal Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and has received Pedal the Cause funding for his research exploring mechanisms of treatment resistance to improve outcomes in pancreas cancer.
For information on how to get involved in Pedal the Cause or if you would like to help Ben in his efforts to create a world without cancer, visit pedalthecause.org.