Living with Blood Cancer, Riding for a Cure: The Cyclists Taking on Iceland
What does it take to cycle across one of the world’s most rugged and awe-inspiring landscapes while living with cancer? This summer, a remarkable group of riders will answer that question during the International Myeloma Foundation’s (IMF) Iceland Cycling Expedition, taking place August 18–24, 2026. Now in its third year, the event brings together cyclists — including individuals living with multiple myeloma — to ride across Iceland in a powerful show of resilience, hope, and determination.
More than an endurance challenge, the expedition is a fundraiser for the IMF’s groundbreaking research efforts. These cyclists are not only living with myeloma — they are each taking on the additional mission of raising critical funds to accelerate progress.
Proceeds will support the IMF’s Black Swan Research Initiative® (BSRI), a global effort focused on detecting myeloma earlier, advancing more precise treatment strategies, and moving closer to prevention and a cure. One of the research projects the ride benefits is the BSRI-sponsored iStopMM® study (Iceland Screens, Treats, or Prevents Multiple Myeloma), the world’s largest and longest-running longitudinal research project of its kind. iStopMM screens for and tracks monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) — precursor conditions to myeloma — while exploring whether earlier intervention can halt disease progression.
Meet Each of These Determined Cyclists
Eric Blackburn
Diagnosed with smoldering multiple myeloma in 2024, Eric Blackburn is a husband, father, and Gulf War veteran who transformed the shock of his diagnosis into a mission of advocacy and service. An avid cyclist and outdoorsman, he now channels his energy into raising awareness about early detection for high-risk veterans exposed to toxins. Through the IMF, Eric co-leads the Veterans Support Group and serves as a patient advocate on national myeloma research initiatives.
Eric says, “The IMF’s support of the iStopMM study in Iceland reflects what I believe in most: finding disease earlier and preventing progression before lives are upended. Riding in Iceland feels like a natural extension of that mission — combining time outdoors, shared effort, and advocacy in a place that embodies resilience.”
Learn more about Eric Blackburn and donate to his efforts.
Ruth Centurier-Harris
Originally from South Africa, Ruth Centurier-Harris was diagnosed with multiple myeloma unexpectedly at age 39, a life-changing moment that reshaped her future, career as a physician, and sense of home. After years of treatment — including two stem cell transplants and a relapse — she continues to embrace new challenges, including cycling, with resilience and gratitude. Through the expedition, Ruth rides to celebrate life, honor the global myeloma community, and help raise funds for better treatments and research worldwide.
Ruth says, “I ride to embrace LIFE, to remind myself that so much is possible, and that beauty and struggle go hand in hand. Knowing that so many people with myeloma around the world cannot access the latest treatments, I ride with hope for them, gratitude for the scientific community and my care team who have given me the gift of time, and to celebrate my one extraordinary, ordinary life.”
Learn more about Ruth Centurier Harris and donate to her efforts.
Andrew Gordon
Andrew Gordon, a 73-year-old lifelong cyclist and attorney from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has been living with multiple myeloma since 2013 and remains in remission after undergoing treatment for a rare complication of central nervous system myeloma. For years, he has mentored countless patients, shared his story publicly, and raised awareness for the myeloma community. Now, he is bringing that same commitment to the IMF by cycling across Iceland and raising funds for critical research.
Andrew says, “I’m incredibly excited to be a part of the IMF team for the 2026 Iceland Cycling Expedition. This extraordinary event promises to raise an incredible amount to help advance myeloma research.”
Learn about Andrew Gordon and donate to his efforts.
Denise Josse
Based in Park City, Utah, Denise Josse combines a passion for the outdoors with a professional career dedicated to science and supporting patients. Diagnosed with MGUS in 2017 and later reclassified with high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma, she has turned her personal experience into advocacy for blood cancer patients and their care partners. By taking part in the expedition, Denise hopes to raise funds for research focused on early intervention and improved outcomes for precursor conditions like hers.
Denise says, “It is an honor to join fellow patients, caregivers, and myeloma providers on this expedition, and I participate in recognition of all myeloma warriors, past, present, and future."
Learn about Denise Josse and donate to her efforts.
Katherine Podgorski Ulak
Katherine Podgorski Ulak has experienced multiple myeloma from every angle—losing her mother and two uncles to the disease and now facing it herself as a patient. An avid cyclist who thrives on challenging climbs, she discovered the power of community during last year’s Iceland Cycling Expedition and returns this year while undergoing treatment. Through the 2026 ride, Katherine hopes to raise funds for critical research while showing that the hardest challenges are surmountable when faced together.
Katherine says, “I would be grateful for your support. Your contribution will help fund critical research and move us closer to a cure. Just as importantly, it will help me show my children that difficult challenges are best faced together.”
Learn more about Katherine Podgorski Ulak and donate to her efforts.
Mimi (Margaret) Quinn
Mimi (Margaret) Quinn is a nurse living with multiple myeloma who brings a unique dual perspective as both a healthcare professional and a patient navigating her disease. Now in remission following intensive treatment and a stem cell transplant in August 2024, she is committed to living fully and staying active through cycling and time outdoors with her family. Through the expedition, Mimi is raising funds for critical research, including the iStopMM study.
Mimi says, “This challenge is about living life to the fullest, while supporting vital research like the iStopMM study, and turning gratitude into action.”
Learn more about Mimi Quinn and donate to her efforts.
Khatchig Tchapadarian
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, and later immigrating to the United States in 1981, Khatchig Tchapadarian built a long career in construction, becoming Vice President at McCarthy Building Co., Inc., before retiring in 2024. Just months into retirement, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and has since undergone intensive treatment, including radiation and an autologous stem cell transplant. Today, he is on maintenance therapy. A lifelong athlete and cyclist, Khatchig is eager to return to an active lifestyle and brings that same determination to support the myeloma community and advance research through the expedition.
Khatchig says, “I look forward to being able to get back to all my activities and resuming traveling the world as I had planned prior to my diagnosis.”
Learn more about Khatchig Tchapadarian and donate to his efforts.
Craig Hofmeister, MD
Craig Hofmeister, MD, is a myeloma clinician at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University in Atlanta, where he has spent the past two decades treating patients with multiple myeloma and AL amyloidosis and working toward more definitive, preventive approaches to care. Deeply committed to advancing research that could one day eliminate the need for ongoing treatment, he supports innovative, international efforts such as the IMF’s iStopMM study.
Dr. Hofmeister says, “At home, we have an empty nest except for our dog Ghost, so this is the time for me to travel in support of the IMF’s mission!”
Learn more about Dr. Hofmeister and donate to his efforts.
Thomas Martin, MD
Thomas Martin, MD, is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), an IMF Scientific Advisory Board member, and an IMF International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) member.
Dr. Martin says, “I have made the decision to be a positive force of change for our myeloma community . . . Thanks so much for your support, our myeloma community is counting on YOU!”
Learn more about Dr. Martin and donate to his efforts.
Amarendra Neppalli, MD
Amarendra Neppalli, MD, is a board-certified hematologist and associate professor at the George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Learn more about Dr. Neppalli and donate to his efforts.
Douglas Sborov, MD, Lead Cyclist
An IMF International IMWG member, Dr. Sborov, is an Associate Professor in the Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City. Dr. Sborov will not just be leading the whole ride; he will be accompanying two of his patients from his clinic at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) in Salt Lake City — Ruth Centurier-Harris and Denise Josse.
Dr. Sborov says, “In 2025, I participated in the Iceland Cycling Expedition, and it was an enormous success . . .Now, in 2026, I was asked to be the Lead Cyclist for our follow-up expedition. I accepted and will lead our current team to reach their fitness goals and be ready to conquer the elements of the Iceland frontier. We WILL be ready!”
Learn more about Dr. Sborov and donate to his efforts.
Saad Usmani, MD, Fundraising Chair
This year’s fundraising chair for the expedition is Dr. Saad Usmani, an IMF Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and IMF IMWG member. Dr. Usmani currently serves as Chief of the Myeloma Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He returns to ride in the Iceland Cycling Expedition for the third year in a row.
Dr. Usmani says, “What began as a pilot effort for the IMF, has grown into something far greater than we imagined — expanding both in community spirit and the funds raised to support the research mission. It has been gratifying to watch riders, families, supporters, and industry come together with a shared purpose. Every mile pedaled and every dollar raised reflects our collective commitment and hope towards curing multiple myeloma.”
Learn more about Dr. Usmani and donate to his efforts.
Christopher Campen
Christopher Campen is a Principal Medical Science Liaison in Multiple Myeloma at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. He is committed to volunteerism, community service, and supporting patients living with multiple myeloma. Outside of work, he has completed multiple 24-hour mountain bike races and is a four-time IRONMAN finisher. He will ride to show his support for the myeloma community.
Learn more about Christopher Campen and donate to his efforts.
Trey Jalbert
Trey is a cancer survivor himself and has lost two family members to myeloma. He currently works to bring next-generation cell therapies to patients as a Director of Commercial Strategy at Kite Pharma, with the goal of expanding treatment options in the future.
Outside of work, he enjoys endurance sports, particularly trail and ultra-distance running, and is drawn to the challenge of long, sustained efforts in nature. He shares, “This ride brings both of these worlds together for me—another way to be in community with and support patients, families, and survivors facing this disease together.”
Learn more about Trey Jalbert and donate to his efforts.
Finding Meaning Behind Every Turn of the Pedals
As the 2026 IMF Iceland Cycling Expedition takes shape, it stands as both a physical feat and a collective statement of purpose from patients, clinicians, and advocates united by a shared urgency to change the trajectory of multiple myeloma. Each rider brings a distinct story of diagnosis, treatment, resilience, and determination. Together, they converge on a common goal: advancing the science that could promise earlier detection, more precise intervention, and ultimately a cure.
Through their efforts in support of the Black Swan Research Initiative and the iStopMM study, every mile ridden becomes an extension of the laboratory and clinic. Their lived experiences build momentum for discovery.
In Iceland’s rugged terrain, the message is clear: progress in myeloma, like the ride itself, is demanding yet achievable.