Thank you Baltimore-DC Fundraising Riders! Your efforts raised more than $1.4 million for cancer research.

Lance Armstrong congratulates Robert Ward (left), who raised $50,500 for cancer research, making him the top fundraiser for the 2005 Tour of Hope Baltimore-DC Fundraising Ride.

Our 2005 Top Fundraisers

1. Robert Ward $50,500
2. Dave Wilson $32,650
3. Tamar Howson $21,585
4. Dan Williams $18,126
5. Steve Verbanic $17,260
6. Michael Rowny $13,460
7. Mike Weston $13,051
8. Eric Perakslis $11,995
9. Jenean Perelstein $10,941
10. Joan Waters $10,170
11. Milo Shaefer $10,000

Lance Armstrong poses with the top fundraisers for the 2005 Tour of Hope Baltimore-DC Fundraising Ride, which was to be held on October 8. The 1,500 riders registered raised more than $1.4 million for cancer research.

A Message to Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope Supporters Regarding Cancellation of the Washington DC Finale Events

Hundreds of riders turned out for the Baltimore-DC Fundraising Ride start in Howard County, Maryland, which was ultimately cancelled due to flooding and high winds. Lance Armstrong and Bristol-Myers Squibb's CEO Peter Dolan thanked the riders for their efforts in raising more than $1.4 million for cancer research.

First and foremost, thank you for your commitment to the cancer cause and the 2005 Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope™. Through fundraising efforts of the Baltimore-DC Fundraising riders, more than $1.4 million was raised to support cancer research and clinical trials. All of the funds will go to the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

We wish to thank the hundreds of Tour of Hope volunteers, who are vitally important to an event like the Tour of Hope. We rely upon your support to create an atmosphere of energy and enthusiasm for the cyclists as well as help the event run smoothly.

We regret the cancellation of the Washington, DC events, and appreciate your understanding. Local authorities deemed conditions unsafe due to flooding on the area roadways and the potential of high winds. It was a difficult decision for the ride organizers in consultation with the local authorities, but your safety was paramount. The fundraising ride will not be rescheduled, primarily due to the logistics of route permitting.

We rescheduled a smaller celebration for the Tour of Hope National Team, their friends and family, and the Baltimore – DC fundraising riders at the JW Marriott on Saturday afternoon. However, there was an overwhelming response among people who wanted to attend and the venue quickly reached capacity. Some individuals were subsequently turned away by hotel security officials in accordance with fire marshal codes. We are sorry if you were unable to gain access to the event at the JW Marriott and regret any disappointment this may have caused.

Once again, the efforts of the Baltimore-DC Fundraising riders in raising funds for cancer research are very much appreciated, and we are so thankful to those who volunteered for the event. We hope you will continue to support the Tour of Hope, its partners, and our collective mission to raise awareness about cancer clinical trials.

Sincerely,
Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope Staff