On Saturday, September 9th, Team Walsh participated in the Closer to Free Ride in New Haven to fundraise for patient care and advanced research at the Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center.

This year, Team Walsh rode in support for Naugatuck High School Social Studies teacher Timothy Walsh, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in May of 2017. The team was formed of parents and teachers led by Naugatuck High School custodian, Mr. Doug Hale, who organized the local event for the team.

“It’s hard enough to go through something like this but having all these people with you and helping you … makes a huge difference,” said Mrs. Jill Walsh, Naugatuck High School English teacher, wife of Timothy Walsh, and Team Walsh rider.

The experience has shaped Mrs.  Walsh in new ways. She added, “I think this ride… really showed me that there’s so many people in this world, not only who are impacted by cancer, but there’s so many people willing to give up their time.”

Mrs.  Walsh went on to include how she was first invested in the ride. “…because my husband’s being treated at one of their satellite centers. So, I thought why not? Let’s do it. And we ended up raising, I think it was over $18,000 for the Smilow Cancer Centers.”

Mrs.  Walsh has been involved in a similar race to CTF called the Pan Mass Challenge, but this it is her first year becoming involved with CTF.

“It was a beautiful day and I was with a big group of friends and riding my bike and just getting exercise. And I loved it, it was for a great cause so, it’s a win-win win.”

“Closer to Free came about in an effort to develop one signature fundraising event for Smilow Cancer Hospital,”  says Jessica Scheps of Yale New Haven Hospital’s Office of Development. “The concept of a gala lost its attraction. The bike ride is an event that can be all inclusive – involves employees, patients, survivors, and the community at large.”

Scheps notably added that “100% of the dollars raised by riders and volunteers goes directly to fund patient care and research at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center. This includes our survivorship program, clinical trials, and a variety of labs.”

Both the volunteers and riders have increased year after year. In fact, Scheps says that, “This year’s ride is expecting to break all records and will hopefully net close to $3 million.’

This ride’s main focus doesn’t only consist of fundraising. Not only were volunteers and participants involved in the race there to support or commemorate those who have lost their lives to and are fighting cancer, but many were riding to show that they have survived as well.

“This year was different….I stepped up my fundraising this year because I wasn’t just watching, I wasn’t just volunteering for myself, I was volunteering for others,”  said Mrs. Jennifer Brennan, a Naugatuck High School teacher and volunteer in the ride.

Mrs.  Brennan was admitted into the Smilow Cancer Hospital in February, 2010 with stomach cancer. Although it was her illness that led her there, she states that, “ they were just an amazing organization. Such talented doctors, nurses, technicians … They were caring, thoughtful and smart –  wonderful. My illness brought me to Smilow and I’m glad I was there.”

The staff was so welcoming and great that  Mrs. Brennan just wanted to do something for them in return. The opportunity arose when she heard about the ride. She got her moment to thank the hospital for everything they have done for her by volunteering in the ride.

Mrs. Brennan’s past experiences have led her to help and participate in the ride ever since and her appreciation is recognized every year.

The Smilow Cancer Hospital The Closer to Free Ride (CTF) has been running for 8 years. The CTF commences at 7:00 am at the Yale Bowl. The distance of the routes varies depending on the participant’s choice the participant can choose between a 10, 25, 62.5, or 100 mile route. All routes end at the Yale Bowl.

CTF has a registration fee of $500 and all participants have a separate required goal of $1,000 to raise toward the hospital’s cause.

“It’s not challenging. It’s easy and it’s fun,” says Mrs. Jennifer Brennan about her experience as a volunteer. “I hope to one day ride … I think that’s the hard work, that’s the amazing part.”

When asked about what she would like to inform other people of the ride, Mrs. Brennan replied, “I think that they need to come down and experience it … I think if people saw it and learned about it they’d want to be involved.”

“It’s just nice to see all these positive people working hard to help other human beings that they don’t even know. It’s refreshing and uplifting,” says Mrs. Jill Walsh.