Inside Duke Medicine

‘Martin’s Ride’ to raise money for Cancer Center

Local cancer survivor Martin “Marty” Smith will team up with Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center Director H. Kim Lyerly, M.D., and cancer researcher Lee Jones, Ph.D., as he begins his 3,000 mile bicycle journey across America, all in an effort to raise awareness and funds to support cancer research.

On Tuesday, June 29, at 7 a.m., Smith will join Lyerly and Jones at Morris Cancer Clinic to launch the journey, dubbed “Martin’s Ride.” Smith will ride from Duke to Santa Monica, Calif. All funds raised will benefit research at the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Smith’s story is one that resonates with many. What began as a cold that wouldn’t go away ended with a diagnosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Smith received treatment at the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center from oncologist Louis Diehl, M.D., and his staff. Today, Smith is one of 11 million cancer survivors living in America. 

"I encourage anyone who is a cancer survivor, family member, supporter or cancer research advocate to join me as I strive to create a movement around an important idea—together we can cure cancer in our lifetime,” said Smith.

Lyerly and Jones will join Martin on the first leg of the trip to Greensboro. “The Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center is changing the world through great discoveries in research,” said Lyerly. “We are delighted to support Martin. We share his passion for finding a cancer cure in our lifetime.”

Smith will blog about his cycling experience on his website at www.martinsride.com. For more information about and/or to donate to Martin’s Ride.