5/20/2026
PITTSBURGH – Nearly 1,600 walkers and bike riders gathered this past weekend for the 4th annual PNC Presents Rush to Crush Cancer where they are expected to exceed the $600,000 fundraising goal. This brings the four-year total to more than $2.2 million to support critical cancer research and community outreach programs at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.
More than 775 walkers and nearly 800 bike riders, including patients, survivors, family, friends, oncologists, cancer researchers and UPMC Hillman staff members either completed a 1-mile walk on Saturday around Pittsburgh’s South Shore Riverfront Park or completed one of four bicycle courses throughout Pittsburgh and surrounding communities.
“What makes this event so meaningful is that every dollar raised by our riders and walkers stays right here in our region to support cancer research at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center,” said Elizabeth Wild, president of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, who completed the 15-mile bicycle ride. “These funds directly fuel groundbreaking discoveries, innovative clinical trials, and community outreach efforts, bringing us closer to a future without cancer.”
Joining for the first time was UPMC Hillman Cancer Center’s new director, Dr. John Byrd, a leading oncologist, cancer researcher and avid cyclist, who also completed the 15-mile course. His commitment extends beyond supporting cancer research to also funding community programs that will increase access and improve patient outcomes.
“I am excited by the impact this event continues to have on our work and, most importantly, on our patients and our community,” said Byrd. “In addition to the incredible clinical and research work underway at UPMC Hillman, another important step is investing in education and screening programs that can reach underserved communities—both in low-income areas of the city and in the surrounding rural regions to decrease the impact of cancer throughout our region.”
Planning for the annual walk and bike ride began in 2022 with initial investment from Brian Shannahan, a Pittsburgh business owner who wanted to promote cancer research as he battled and eventually succumbed to pancreatic cancer. As the initiative launched in 2023, PNC committed to be the title sponsor.
“We are truly grateful to our riders and sponsors for helping us bring this impactful event to life,” said Stanley Marks, M.D., chairman of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “We are continually inspired by the dedication of our participants, including cancer survivors, their families and friends, as well as our own physicians, researchers, and staff, who ride with a shared commitment to advancing cancer care. This year, we had cyclists ranging from 12 to 89 years of age out on the course supporting the cause.”
In an effort to make Rush to Crush Cancer accessible to riders of all ages, Rush to Crush Cancer KiDS will launch in August for those not yet old enough to ride in the May event. Two categories, for those ages 4 to 6 and those ages 7 to 11, will be a part of this inaugural event on Sunday, August 16th in the Pie Traynor area of North Park in Pittsburgh’s North Hills region.
“The energy and emotion throughout the weekend are truly special,” said Ann Regan, executive director of Rush to Crush Cancer. “From our walkers to our longest-distance riders, every participant shows what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose. Now, our youngest participants can also be a part of Rush to Crush Cancer KiDS bike event as they, too, look to honor loved ones, support patients, and accelerate life-saving research right here in Pittsburgh.”
Registration for Rush to Crush KiDS is now open - click here to register. Donations for this weekend’s PNC Presents Rush to Crush Cancer will be accepted through June 18. Click here to donate. For more information about all of our events, visit www.rushtocrushcancer.org. Click here to view and download photos from the event.
Photos (click for high-resolution version)
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Caption: PNC Walk Crush to Crush Cancer 2026
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Second Photo
Caption: PNC Presents Rush to Crush Cancer 2026
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