Chainbreaker Announces Sponsorship from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

St. Paul, Minnesota (June 20, 2018) — Chainbreaker, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for cancer research at the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, is pleased to announce that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross), part of the Stella family of companies, has become a significant sponsor of the 2018 Chainbreaker Ride.

The support includes a commitment to bring a strong presence of Blue Cross riders and volunteers. Alongside this, Blue Cross is providing financial support for Chainbreaker’s mission to direct 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar to cancer research.

“Blue Cross is proud to once again be part of this growing grassroots effort to fund cancer research at the Masonic Cancer Center,” said Tom Vanderheyden, executive vice president and president of diversified business at Blue Cross. “Blue Cross’ commitment to Chainbreaker further affirms the company’s mission to make a healthy difference in people’s lives.”

“Minnesotans stepped up last summer with more than 1,000 people riding in the inaugural Chainbreaker and we’re looking forward to seeing even more riders this year,” Vanderheyden said.  “As a cyclist, I am excited to ride along with other Blue Cross employees who are committed to fundraise and ride for this worthy cause.”  

“We see the support from Blue Cross as the beginning of a long-term relationship that offers significant upside for our community. Having Blue Cross as a major sponsor helps us expand the Chainbreaker rider base throughout Minnesota in effort to generate more funding for cancer research at the University of Minnesota,” said Jennifer Waldron, executive director of Chainbreaker.
“Importantly, at the core of our relationship is a shared goal to drive better outcomes for cancer patients throughout Minnesota and beyond.”

About the 2018 Chainbreaker Ride

The 2018 Chainbreaker Ride will take place August 10 to 12. The celebration begins Friday evening on the Blue Cross campus in Eagan with food, beverages and live music for Chainbreaker riders and guests. The ride launches Saturday morning from the Blue Cross campus, where riders will set out on routes ranging from 25 to 180 miles. Ride weekend is a celebration of the many community, fundraising and training activities that the Chainbreaker community of advocates participate in throughout the year.  

The 2017 inaugural Chainbreaker Ride hosted 1,021 registered riders raised $1.4 million for research at the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota.