Million Dollar Bike Ride

The KCNQ2 Cure Alliance and the University of Pennsylvania Orphan Disease Center invite you to participate in the Million Dollar Bike Ride. This annual festival brings together rare disease families, friends, and supporters to raise funds for rare disease research and spread awareness of rare diseases. This year’s event will be in person; however, there will be an option to fundraise and ride virtually. The event will occur in Philadelphia, PA, on Saturday, June 8th. KCNQ2 Cure is thrilled to have a team in this event!

The Million Dollar Bike Ride brings over 600 cyclists and volunteers to Penn’s campus to ride either 10, 32, or 72 miles starting in the city and ranging across the Greater Philadelphia region. In ten years, the MDBR’s 30+ teams have raised over $20 million to fund research grants on the diseases they represent.

This is a unique opportunity for the entire KCNQ2 Community (families affected by KCNQ2-related disorders) to work together. It is also an extraordinary opportunity to join other rare disease patients and organizations.

This year's goal is to raise $20,000 for research on KCNQ2-related disorders.

Our KCNQ2 Warrior's Team will also need 15 in-person riders and/or volunteers! Registered riders must be 16+ years old to ride or 18+ to volunteer at the event!

EVENT DETAILS

WHEN: Saturday, June 8th, 2024
WHERE: Philadelphia, PA
You can ride in person or virtually to show your support.
NOTE: 100% of funds raised will go towards KCNQ2 research

WAYS TO  PARTICIPATE

For the Million Dollar Bike Ride (MDBR) this year, the KCNQ2 Cure Alliance is considered an independent team. You will register to ride (in-person or virtually) via the Pledge It link below. Then, you will register again via GiveLively, using the link below, to fundraise for your ride. Funds will go to KCNQ2 to support vetted research.

→ Ride in Person

We need 15 people on the ground in Philadelphia as cyclists or event volunteers for this year’s event. Are you in the greater Philly area? We want to hear from you.

  1. Register here: Go to MDBR - enter your email and name to create an account.  Registration ends June 2nd.
  2. Teams. Then choose Independent Team Cyclist Registration (3rd option)
    • IMPORTANT: DO NOT Create a Fundraising page here. Ensure you deselect “Create Fundraising Page.” Independent Teams (such as KCNQ2 Cure Alliance) will not fundraise using their platform.
    • Fill in the information – choose to ride with KCNQ2 Cure Alliance!
    • After you register, it will ask you if you want to join a team. You will choose no thank you as you will fundraise through our GiveLively platform.
  3. Fundraise. Once complete, go to GiveLively and register to fundraise for KCNQ2 Cure Alliance.
  4. Share. Share your fundraising page with friends and family, and post on social media.

→ Virtual Rider or In-person Walker

As a virtual rider, you can bike, spin, scooter, rollerblade, push a stroller, use your wheelchair, walkers, prams, exercise bicycles, hiking poles, lounge chairs, or sit in your favorite spot. There’s no skill requirement. It’s just plain fun for a good cause! Register a friend or family member to also ride virtually with us.

  1. Register: Go to MDBR - enter your email and name to create an account. Registration ends June 2nd.
  2. Teams. Then choose Virtual Cyclist (5th option for any virtual option) or Million Dollar Mile - to walk in-person in PA (4thoption)
    • IMPORTANT: DO NOT Create a Fundraising page here. Ensure you deselect “Create Fundraising Page.” Independent Teams (such as KCNQ2 Cure Alliance) will not fundraise using their platform.
    • Fill in the information – choose Independent Team - KCNQ2 Cure Alliance!
    • After you register, it will ask you if you want to join a team. You will choose no thank you as you will fundraise through our GiveLively platform.
  3. Fundraise. Once complete, go to GiveLively and register to fundraise for KCNQ2 Cure Alliance.
  4. Share. Share your fundraising page with friends and family, and post on social media.

→ Make a Donation

You can support KCNQ2 research by donating or creating your own fundraising page.
Make a Donation

FAQs

FAQS

Q: Where can we stay in Philadelphia for the MDBR?
A: The Orphan Disease Center has reserved some hotel rooms at a discounted rate for the event. The details will be available soon at https://www.milliondollarbikeride.org/accommodations.

Q: I want to help out at the event but I do not want to ride a bike. Can I volunteer instead?
A: Yes, you can definitely volunteer, and we can use the help! You can learn more about registering as a volunteer (ensure that you select that you are volunteering for the KCNQ2 Warriors team) and learn what options are available at https://www.milliondollarbikeride.org/volunteer.

Q: I want to ride in the MDBR, but I will not have a bike with me. What should I do?
A: You can reserve a bike for the event. You can learn more about this option at https://www.milliondollarbikeride.org/bike-rental.

Q: How many miles do I need to ride for the event?
A: There are several route options provided, so you can ride a casual ride through town along the river or a more challenging ride. The routes and maps are available at https://www.milliondollarbikeride.org/routes-and-maps.

Q: I have more questions. Where can I find out more about the Million Dollar Bike Ride?
A: The Orphan Disease Center at the University of Pennsylvania hosts the event, and you can learn more about it on their website at https://www.milliondollarbikeride.org.