The IMF Iceland Cycling Expedition (ICE): A Rigorous Journey to End Myeloma
As the wind whispers through the rugged Icelandic terrain, a group of determined individuals prepare to embark on a journey unlike any other. Their mission: to pedal across this breathtaking landscape, not just for the “thrill of adventure,” but to support a cause close to their hearts—the fight against multiple myeloma.
On August 29, 2024, a group of 12 brave individuals, composed of myeloma survivors, care partners, and world-renowned myeloma physicians, led by the expertise of Dr. Rafat Abonour, will embark on an unforgettable journey of purpose and adventure as they bike through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Iceland to support the International Myeloma Foundation’s Black Swan Research Initiative, including the iStopMM Project—the world's largest and longest longitudinal research study to screen, treat, and prevent myeloma.
With gravel bikes ready and spirits high, our team of 12 fundraising cyclists, including Andrew Kuzneski, Dr. Cristina Gasparetto, Dr. Mark Sievert, Dr. Rafat Abonour, Dr. Saad Usmani, Jered Haddad, Laurie Kuzneski, Leo Dierckman, Martina Pesaresi, Nancy Bruno, Shawn Twigg, and Thomas Goode, prepare to embark on a journey unlike any other.
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Our riders are not alone in their quest. With support vehicles, tour guides, and IMF staff at their side, they are poised to conquer the Icelandic terrain with determination and resilience. In fact, IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael will be cycling alongside them in support of these fundraisers.
Supporting the cyclists through their ride and cheering on from the sidelines will be IMF President and CEO Yelak Biru, IMF Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Brian G.M. Durie, and IMF Vice President of Development, Sylvia Dsouza. This group of cheerleaders and emotional and mental support will be traveling in the support vans, armed with refreshments and much-needed breaks, hugs, and high-fives during the ride.
Training for this expedition has been no small feat. From Jered’s 100-mile-a-week biking exercises to Thomas' transition from heavy weight training to intense cycling workouts, each member of our team has pushed themselves to new limits in preparation for the journey ahead. With training regimens ranging from mountain biking to Peloton experiences, our riders are ready to tackle whatever obstacles Iceland may throw their way.
But what awaits our cyclists in the land of fire and ice? As Halla, our guide, explains, the terrain is as unpredictable as the Icelandic weather itself. From gravel roads, rough terrain, and bitter cold, our riders must be prepared for anything. Yet, amid the challenges, there lies a beauty that only Iceland can offer—a landscape of awe-inspiring vistas and ever-changing scenery. This is analogous to a life without myeloma after all the challenges a patient with myeloma must go through. There is hope at the end of this journey. We are pedaling towards that hope!
When asked why he has chosen to take on the challenge of leading our cycling expedition, Dr. Abonour shared: “I always like to go the extra mile for myeloma patients, because their journey is all about the extra mile. Being able to spread the word about multiple myeloma to tell people that we are doing this for myeloma is very exciting.
It is going to be challenging, no doubt about it. But I'm going to be in the company of patients. So, if patients are going to do it, and they’re willing to take on that adventure, why not me doing it with them and supporting them?”
As the IMF gets ready to set off on this epic adventure, one thing remains clear: this journey is about more than just cycling. It's about coming together as a community, united in our mission to fund groundbreaking myeloma research and prevent multiple myeloma. With each pedal stroke, we inch closer to a future free from this devastating disease.
So, as our team gathers their gear and prepares to hit the road, we invite you to join us on this remarkable journey. Follow along as we traverse the Icelandic countryside, facing challenges head-on and forging unforgettable memories along the way. Together, we can make a difference—not just for those battling myeloma today, but for generations to come.
Stay tuned for updates from our dedicated cyclists ahead of the expedition and prepare to follow the journey in August. To show your support, donate to our cyclists' individual fundraising pages: Search Iceland Cycling Expedition (myeloma.org).
For information on ways to support and/or sponsor the 2024 ICE adventure, please reach out to Sylvia Dsouza, IMF’s Vice President of Development, at [email protected].
For information on dates for the 2025 ICE adventure and adding your name to the waitlist, please contact Sylvia Dsouza at [email protected].
