Arleny Alvarez-Pena
- National: 870th
- State: 52nd in NY
I'm Riding For
Dr. Stephanie Hassan-Richardson
Full of passion and insight Dr. Stephanie Hassan-Richardson was an excellent leader, teacher, and great friend to many. This one is for you!
My Story
This September, I am taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer!
Why? Because right now, cancer is the biggest killer of children from disease in the United States. Over 15,700 children are diagnosed every year, and sadly, 38 children die of cancer every week.
Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.
So I am raising funds through my challenge to help these kids and support Children's Cancer Research Fund to allow them to continue their work to develop lifesaving treatments and find a cure for childhood cancer.
Please support me by making a donation to give these kids the brighter futures they deserve.
Your support will change little lives.
Thank you.
My Legacy
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206 mi Ridden$2,643 Raised2020
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227 mi Ridden$2,683 Raised2021
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234 mi Ridden$2,629 Raised2022
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245 mi Ridden$2,625 Raised2023
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254 mi Ridden$2,599 Raised2024
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216 mi Ridden$1,894 Raised2025
My Challenge
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One Last Push for Stephanie’s Legacy
21 Sep 2025We’re in the final week of this challenge! I only have 32 miles left to ride, but still over $1,200 to raise.
This year, my goal is extra special: I want to gift my superhero jersey to Stephanie’s niece, a survivor of the arch enemy we’re fighting. Every mile, every donation is in honor of Stephanie and her legacy of strength.
Please consider supporting and helping me reach this fundraising goal so we can make this gift possible. 💛
Posted 88 days ago -
What is Cancer? (For Kids)
14 Sep 2025Cancer happens when some of the body’s cells stop working the way they should. Normally, cells grow, do their jobs, and then rest or are replaced by new healthy cells. But cancer cells don’t follow those rules. Instead, they grow too fast and don’t stop when they should.
These extra cells can form lumps called tumors, or sometimes they affect the blood and bone marrow where new blood cells are made. This can make it harder for the body to do its normal jobs, like fighting off sickness or keeping bones and organs healthy.
In children, cancer is different from cancer in adults. It usually isn’t caused by lifestyle or environment—it just happens while their bodies are still growing and changing. Doctors, nurses, and scientists work together to find the best treatments to stop the unhealthy cells and help kids get stronger.
Posted 95 days ago -
The ride is not just about distance covered on a bike
12 Sep 2025The average cost of childhood cancer to a family is estimated to be around $833,000, encompassing not only direct medical expenses such as hospital stays, surgeries, treatments, and medications, but also hidden costs like travel, lodging near treatment centers, and specialized care needs. On top of that, many parents are forced to take unpaid leave or reduce work hours to care for their child, resulting in a major loss of income. Studies show that a significant number of families lose more than 40% of their annual household income during treatment, putting enormous financial and emotional stress on parents already carrying the weight of their child’s diagnosis.
For many, these challenges mean choosing between paying bills and being present during treatments, or facing mounting debt while trying to provide the best care possible. Families often sacrifice stability, comfort, and sometimes even their homes in order to prioritize their child’s health. This financial strain is a reality most people never imagine until it happens to them.
This is just one of the reasons I ride. Every mile is a commitment to stand beside these families, to raise awareness about the true impact of childhood cancer, and to push for more research, better resources, and stronger support systems. The ride is not just about distance covered on a bike—it’s about carrying the stories of families who battle every day, ensuring their struggles are not forgotten, and reminding them they do not fight alone.
💛 Donate today. Every gift makes a difference.
Posted 98 days ago -
10 miles of rocky road
10 Sep 2025The image attached shows a smooth surface that makes it easy to glide on two wheels. But today, I chose to go an extra 10 miles to reach a bridge that offered a view of water on both sides.
Those 10 miles of rough road reminded me that when families are battling cancer, there will be days that feel as smooth as the pavement pictured—and there will also be setbacks, tough decisions, and rocky paths to navigate on the road to recovery, if that chance is given.
It takes endurance, perseverance, and above all, hope, to keep moving forward even when the road isn’t as smooth as we would like.
Posted 99 days ago -
Shout out to the sponsors
8 Sep 2025Thank you to everyone who has donated so far—because of you, we were able to honor Stephanie on the big screen. 💛
Our next challenge is raising $2,500 to bring a superhero impact to kids who need it most. Every share, repost, and donation helps us get closer.
Most childhood cancers have no known cause. Genetic factors, environmental exposures, and infections may play a role, but the truth is—there’s still so much we don’t know. That’s why ongoing research is essential for developing new treatments and giving children a better chance at survival.
Your donation is a tremendous help to children and families as they face and overcome the challenges of childhood cancer with hope and strength.
Ride 200 miles
Raise $2,500
In honor of Dr. Stephanie Hassan Richardson
Posted 102 days ago -
A Ride Through Nature’s Whisper
3 Sep 2025What a wonderful day to be outdoors. Cycling is never a silent ride—the wind roars, birds chatter, the sun beams brightly, and my breath falls into a steady rhythm. Along the way, I spotted turtles basking in the sun, passed through pockets of sweet grass scent, and felt the sudden shift of a colder breeze. Surrounded by breathtaking views and my own thoughts, I found myself deeply grateful for nature’s gifts and lessons.
Posted 107 days ago -
First ride in the books
2 Sep 2025Training has truly paid off—my legs are ready for a longer ride. If the weather holds, this year’s ride is going to be incredible.
During today’s ride, I found myself reflecting on Stephanie and her family—their strength, their resilience. I could feel Stephanie’s presence with me. At one point, as I spoke to the wind, a flock of doves rose from the trees. It was a breathtaking moment, a powerful reminder that our ancestors are always with us.
Riding in loving memory of Dr. Stephanie Hassan Richardson.
Posted 108 days ago -
And her niece is a superhero too!
29 Aug 2025September is just around the corner and my rides in honor of Stephanie are for the kids and families who are impacted. This little gem is Stephanie’s niece who is so full of light! She is a survivor of what we are riding to end. To Daly, keep going strong and being an inspiration to us all little superhero! Everyone meet Daly Crum! A pre-k scholar who is so brave she can teach us all a thing or two!!!
Let’s ride!
Posted 111 days ago -
Tribute Day: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Stephanie Hassan Richardson
20 Aug 2025An extraordinary educator, devoted mother, cherished daughter, beloved sister, loyal friend—and so much more. Today, we pause to reflect on the profound impact she has had on all who knew and loved her.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for making this moment possible. Displaying Stephanie’s image on Broadway is a beautiful tribute that means the world to her family and friends.
One pedal at a time.
Seven forever.
Road to Superhero impact for the kids.
Posted 121 days ago -
Seven Forever: Honoring Dr. Stephanie Hassan Richardson
19 Aug 2025Stephanie was absolutely loved and cherished by her family. I’ve been blessed to connect with her sister, Natalie, and she has shared some amazing photos of Stephanie and of family too!
I think it is fair to say we are all excited to see Stephanie’s photo go up in tomorrow’s tribute day billboard in Time Square but overall celebrating her all month long while I take the challenge of rising $2500 and riding 200 miles in her honor.
We got this Hassan-Richardson family!
Posted 122 days ago
My Sponsors
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Catherine Ross
“Proud of you for taking on this ride again! You’re not just cycling —you’re making a real difference! Go crush those miles!”
$207Received this donation 127 days ago
Arleny
“♥️ thank you for your consistent support, friendship and of course the bridge to my now fur baby. Love ya!”
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Kick Cancer's Butt Day matched donation
“Here's your matched donation from a group of wonderful Children's Cancer Research Fund supporters. THANK YOU so much for your awesome efforts to kick cancer's butt!”
$169.63Received this donation 99 days ago
Arleny
“Thank you for your donation to helping further the research for better treatment and much more!”
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Hairat Ajose
“Another ride for a great cause! So proud of you!!!”
$103.50Received this donation 87 days ago
Arleny
“❤️ my sister thank you 🤗 visit us soon please!”
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Jaime McClintock
“So inspired by your passion and your journey. Keep on going! 💕”
$103.50Received this donation 108 days ago
Arleny
“I’m not 😭 you’re 😭 thank you roomie/bday sis ❤️”
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Facebook Fundraiser Donation
$102.53Received this donation 80 days ago
Arleny
“Thank you Scott for the support and getting us closer to superhero impact!”
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Facebook Fundraiser Donation
$88Received this donation 89 days ago
Arleny
“Thanks hunny and Sally for the donation!”
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Allison V Craig
“Dr. Stephanie Hassan Richardson was a dear friend—thank you for the tribute to her—and for all you do to support the fight against childhood cancer.”
$72.45Received this donation 122 days ago
Arleny
“♥️ thank you Allison! Your support is greatly appreciated. Bringing healing one pedal at a time to all who were touched by her.”
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Melissa Cedeno
“Go hermana! So proud of you. Melissa”
$72.45Received this donation 120 days ago
Arleny
“Gracias, hermana, por el apoyo. Lo aprecio mucho! ♥️”
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Diana
“Thank you, Arleny, for doing this amazing thing in Stephanie's memory!”
$51.75Received this donation 121 days ago
Arleny
“Thank you for your support and for getting Stephanie and I to GUARDIAN impact for the kids!”
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Kristen Albright Kristen Albright
$51.75Received this donation 100 days ago
Arleny
“As Estelle would say, “the stream, it’s kind of like us you know” 😂 Thanks for the friendship, laughs and support.”
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Michael Jaromin
$51.75Received this donation 87 days ago
Arleny
“Much appreciation for your support!”
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Anonymous
$51.75Received this donation 87 days ago
Arleny
“Thank you family! ❤️”
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Shalain Garcia
“Always happy to support and cheer you on, Arleny!”
$51.75Received this donation 79 days ago
Arleny
“❤️ thanks sis much appreciated”
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Mary Zeno
“Your doing an awesome job. You got this. Congratulations ❤️”
$41.40Received this donation 85 days ago
Arleny
“❤️ thanks mama Mary! 🤗”
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Carlie Bixler
$36.23Received this donation 115 days ago
Arleny
“Thank you Carlie for the support! Miss ya ♥️”
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Cas Andrusz Ho Ching
“Putting that strong mind and body to work! Keep it up Arleny, bike boss 💖”
$36.23Received this donation 100 days ago
Arleny
“🚴🏽♀️🫶🏽 yessss appreciate you!”
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Colleen Doyle
$36.23Received this donation 100 days ago
Arleny
“Thank you for your support ❤️ much love to you and all of the family!”
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Anonymous
“Keep up the great work, Boo! 😘😘🙏🏽”
$36.23Received this donation 80 days ago
Arleny
“Thank you 🙏🏽♥️”
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Jessica Levine
“This amazing!! Keep going❤️”
$36.23Received this donation 87 days ago
Arleny
“❤️ thank you fam!”
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Pam Stephens-Jackson
“Congrats, Arleny, for the success of your continued efforts on their behalf!! Keep up the great work!”
$36.23Received this donation 87 days ago
Arleny
“❤️ thank you my friend! Always appreciate the support and friendship.”