Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s sole National Cancer Institute -designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and RJWBarnabas Health, the largest, most comprehensive health care system in the state, have been named the official Medical Team Sponsor of this year’s Bike4Chai cycling event, Yoel Margolese, event director, announced.

Bike4Chai is the peer-to-peer cycling program that raises needed funds for Chai Lifeline, the international children’s health support organization. The event draws more than 500 cyclists from across North America. In two days, they cycle 180 miles through three states, ending at Camp Simcha, dubbed “The world’s greatest finish line.”

Chai Lifeline is the international organization dedicated to giving families the tools they need to cope with the challenges of pediatric illness and loss.

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey’s team of internationally recognized physicians and researchers is driven by a singular focus and mission, to help individuals fight cancer. Through the transformation of laboratory discoveries into clinical practice, it targets cancer with precision medicine, immunotherapy and clinical trials and provides the most advanced, comprehensive, and compassionate cancer care to adults and children. This mission is being accomplished in partnership with RWJBarnabas Health.

“There’s a natural synergy between Rutgers Cancer Institute and Chai Lifeline,” explained New Jersey region director Rabbi Sruli Fried, MSW. “Both institutions work 24/7 to improve the lives of families living with illnesses. We are driven by the same goal, to improve the lives of people living with cancer and their families. Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJ Barnabas Health offer world-class medical care; Chai Lifeline’s culturally sensitive services and programs enable families to find normalcy, friendship, and hope.”

“We are proud to partner with Chai Lifeline for their 2017 Bike4Chai event as well as through-out the year to provide access to the latest pediatric cancer treatment options,” stated Steven K. Libutti, MD, FACS, director of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Senior Vice President of Oncology Services, RWJBarnabas Health. “As New Jersey’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and the leading provider of pediatric cancer care in the state, we strongly value the services provided by Chair Lifeline to the community.”

While the appropriate logos will be placed on t-shirts and uniforms and will be prominently displayed throughout the event, Rabbi Fried emphasized that the true meaning behind the sponsorship goes much further than public relations. “The sponsorship is recognizes our shared mission and collaboration on behalf of families in Lakewood and throughout the New Jersey,” he said.

About Chai Lifeline

Chai Lifeline provides the emotional, social, and financial assistance that enables families to cope with pediatric illness or loss in their lives. For immediate assistance in New Jersey, contact Chai Lifeline at 732-719-1700 or email [email protected]. In all other areas, call 1-800 CHAI-LIFE.

About Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (www.cinj.org) is the state’s first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. As part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Rutgers Cancer Institute is dedicated to improving the detection, treatment and care of patients with cancer, and to serving as an education resource for cancer prevention both at its flagship New Brunswick location and at its Newark campus at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at University Hospital. Physician-scientists across Rutgers Cancer Institute also engage in translational research, transforming their laboratory discoveries into clinical practice that supports patients on both campuses. To make a tax-deductible gift to support the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, call 848-932-8013 or visit www.cinj.org/giving.

About RWJBarnabas Health

RWJBarnabas Health covers a service area of 5 million New Jersey residents and is the state’s second largest private employer. The system includes eleven acute care hospitals; three acute care children’s hospitals and a leading pediatric rehabilitation hospital (Children’s Specialized Hospital), a freestanding 100-bed behavioral health center, ambulatory care centers, geriatric centers, the state’s largest behavioral health network, home care and hospice programs, fitness and wellness centers, retail pharmacy services, a medical group, multi-site imaging centers and an accountable care organization.