‘Unstoppable’: Fred Hutch Obliteride raises more than $10M for cancer research

Big hearts, bold energy and a passion for groundbreaking cancer research united thousands of cyclists, walkers and runners in August for Fred Hutch Obliteride 2026.

Now, Fred Hutch has announced that the Obliteride community achieved an all-time high fundraising total of more than $10 million for scientific research. Thanks to generous event sponsors and supporters, every dollar participants raised will help Fred Hutch advance cancer prevention, detection, treatments and cures. 

This success brings Obliteride’s cumulative fundraising total to more than $78 million — and is fueling excitement as this growing event looks forward to its 15th year in 2027. 

Obliteride fuels scientific advances

“This community is unstoppable,” said Tracy Evans, Obliteride senior executive director. “Together, our participants, donors, volunteers, sponsors and supporters make scientific discovery happen. Every dollar we raise helps Fred Hutch translate research breakthroughs into advances in care for the more than 78,000 patients treated at our care sites every year — and for people everywhere.”

Turning personal dedication into life-changing research

Obliteride participants have the option to raise money for the areas of focus at Fred Hutch that are the most meaningful to them. In 2026, Obliteriders directed support to 27 disease areas, 109 researchers and clinicians, 22 programs and specialties, as well as opportunities that emerge as the areas of greatest need in terms of cancer research. 

“As someone who is directly involved in research, I know how much Obliteride means for discovery,” said Kate Biese, 50-mile rider and co-captain of Team Skin in the Game. The team designated their fundraising for the work of team member Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD, a dermatologist and researcher at Fred Hutch and UW Medicine who holds the George F. Odland Endowed Chair in Dermatology at UW Medicine. Nghiem is the founder of the Merkel Cell Carcinoma Collaborative (MC3) Institute, which was established to improve the lives of patients through translational research.

Biese, a research study coordinator in MC3, and team members were among the more than 900 Fred Hutch and UW Medicine scientists, clinicians and staff who pedaled, walked and volunteered alongside patients, families and the greater Fred Hutch community. 

“Cancer has touched so many people,” said Biese. “Obliteride is special. Everyone is working towards the same goal and building momentum every year.”

A place for everyone to take action

Whether Obliteriders signed up for the first time or joined for their 14th year, all had a personal reason to help cure cancer faster.

For first-year participant Keegan Weymiller, Obliteride was a way to turn love into action.

“My husband, Alex, was diagnosed with stage 3C melanoma in June 2023, after our first wedding anniversary,” she said. “After treatment and two years of no evidence of disease, our lives were changed in December 2025, when we found out that Alex's melanoma had come back as stage 4 and made its way into his bones.” 

Fundraising through Obliteride was a way for Alex’s community to show care and support, said Weymiller. “It feels impossible to feel like there's nothing we can do. Raising money for melanoma research by running the Obliteride 5K was something I could do — so I did it!”

Laura McQueen and her husband, Patrick, have participated in Obliteride for each of the event’s 14 years. “Fundraising for research is one of the biggest needle-movers to help get us closer to understanding cancer,” said Laura McQueen.

“I can’t think of any other event that I’ve done 14 years in a row besides Obliteride,” said Patrick McQueen. “It’s become an important part of our lives every August. It’s been great to make a small contribution to help cure cancer faster, and we are excited for year 15!"

Sponsors and supporters make Obliteride shine

Generous event sponsors and supporters are a pivotal part of the Obliteride community and get involved in a variety of ways, including sponsorship, special collaborations throughout Obliteride Weekend and by supporting vibrant participant teams and volunteer groups. 

"Cancer has touched many members of our community, making our participation in Obliteride especially meaningful,” said MG2 team captains Vanessa Schalkle and Sarah Valluzzi in a joint email. MG2, which was already a longtime supporter of Fred Hutch, expanded its commitment by becoming an Obliteride sponsor and creating a team this year. 

“Seeing colleagues come together was a powerful reminder of what can happen when people rally around hope, community and a common purpose,” said Schalkle and Valluzzi. 

More than 50 sponsors ensured that 100% of every dollar that participants raised went directly to work at Fred Hutch. 

“Our sponsors make the extraordinary impact of Obliteride possible,” said Evans. “They support our participants and help accelerate life-changing discovery.”

Obliteride is part of the Campaign for Fred Hutch

Obliteriders are part of the Campaign for Fred Hutch, which is bringing the Fred Hutch community together to transform the pace and scale of innovation to redefine cancer and infectious disease for generations to come.

“Every gift makes a difference in world-leading research, and the next dollar of funding could be the one that leads to a new discovery,” said Kelly Price, co-chair of the Fred Hutch Board of Advisors, co-founder of MainStreet Property Group and a four-year Obliterider. “Fred Hutch’s pursuit of cures is fueled by the same passion that brings so many enthusiastic supporters to participate in this cause.”

Looking ahead to 2027

“As the community prepares for the 15th annual Obliteride, the sky’s the limit,” said Evans. “Whether people ride, walk, run, volunteer, participate virtually or donate, Obliteride is a wonderful way to take action and help cure cancer faster."