Cycle for Survival is an annual event devoted to raising funds and awareness for rare cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. With rare cancers making up a large percentage of cancer diagnoses, funding this research is crucial for improving patient care. This nationwide event features a four-hour team relay where participants complete a high-intensity indoor cycle. 

This year, a group of 22 physician assistant students will be participating and representing the Quinnipiac community. The students registered under the name "PArtnering Together" — reflecting their shared commitment to patient care and advocacy.

The team is comprised of eight second-year students, 14 first-year students and two faculty members. Additionally, the team is led by second-year physician assistant students Ali Chamberlain, MHS '25, Elizabeth Pier, MHS '25, Ashley Shafran '22, MHS '25 and Klaudia Toma '21, MHS '25. 

“The Quinnipiac PA Program emphasizes teamwork, compassion and making a difference both inside and outside of the clinical setting,” said Chamberlain. “A core value of the PA program is involvement in the community, and this event is a perfect example of how we can take our passion beyond the classroom to create a positive impact.” 

Whether through personal or professional experience, the students are driven to participate as they understand the profound impact of cancer on the lives of those affected. 

“My mom is a two-time cancer survivor,” said Pier. “I have the privilege to be able to admire her strength and the way she lives her life having survived cancer twice. I have always been interested in participating in cancer fundraising events because I want to help other families be able to watch their loved ones survive cancer and continue to enjoy their lives. Once I found out that my PA program has been involved with this event for years, there was not a doubt in my mind that I would join the team.” 

As future physician assistants, the students recognize and understand that patient advocacy expands far beyond their professional practice – individual action and support makes the difference. 

“As future physician assistants, we are committed to doing everything we can to help our patients and we know that providing the best care is not always possible without the research that supports rare cancers,” said Chamberlain. “We see firsthand how important research is, not only in the development of new treatments but also in providing patients and their families with hope for better outcomes.” 

The physician assistant program has been raising money for rare cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering for almost 10 years. This involvement has allowed students to raise tens of thousands of dollars toward this mission. 

Clinical Professor of Physician Assistant Studies and Coordinator of Clinical Education Sheree Piperidis has served as the faculty liaison since 2018. 

“Leading this event is meaningful to the patients we care for, family and friends of faculty, classmates, the Quinnipiac community and beyond,” said Piperidis. “Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer and it is an organization that fights to help treat those with rare forms of the disease.”

Last year, the team successfully raised $6,000 and this year, they aim to surpass this milestone by rallying support from friends, family and the Quinnipiac community. To enhance their fundraising efforts the team will be raffling prize baskets on both the North Haven campus and at the men’s ice hockey game on February 8. Additionally, the team will host a bake sale at the game with all of the proceeds donated directly to the team’s fundraising goal. 

Visit the team's page to donate.