Janet Banks

I am riding 150 mi in memory of my son Sean Strother and in honor of those impacted by cancer.. Please sponsor me and support my challenge to fight kids' cancer and save little lives.

Donate Now

I've Ridden 0.0 mi My goal is 150 mi

My Rankings

National: 27th
State: 1st in OH

I've raised $266 My goal is $2,500 Donate Now

I'm Riding For

my son Sean Strother and in honor of those impacted by cancer.

My Story

14 Feb 2026

This September, I’m riding to end childhood cancer and save little lives.

Every year, more than 15,000 U.S. children are diagnosed with cancer – and 38 lose their lives each week. Despite medical progress, childhood cancer remains a heartbreaking challenge that demands urgent research and support.

My inspiration comes from my son, Sean Strother, who bravely battled Glioblastoma – a rare, aggressive, and incurable brain cancer – before passing 1,343 days ago. Today, on his birthday and Valentine’s Day, I’m launching my Great Cycle Challenge campaign in his honor.

During his treatment, Sean joined the BMC Software GCC team led by Cody Dean, who had also lost his father to brain cancer. Sean rode with purpose – to help children and bring hope to others. Cycling gave him strength, joy, and community, which he loved sharing with his daughters, Jada and Chloe.

To carry forward his legacy of kindness and courage, I’ll ride to support rare cancer research at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children Center for Pediatric Immunotherapy.

Join Our Community Ride:

Saturday, September 19, 2026

University Hospitals of Cleveland, 2065 Adelbert Road

Check-in 9:00 AM, Roll-out 10:00 AM

I will provide details for the ride later in the season.

Ride with us to honor Sean’s memory and the courage of all children fighting cancer. Every rider, donor, and message of support fuels lifesaving research and hope for families everywhere.

With gratitude and hope,

Janet – Sean’s Mom & GCC Champion

My Legacy

Here's my personal impact over 5 years to fight kids' cancer and save little lives.

64 mi Ridden

$6,109 Raised

2022
62 mi Ridden

$6,405 Raised

2023
76 mi Ridden

$7,031 Raised

2024
69 mi Ridden

$6,245 Raised

2025
Ridden

$266 Raised

2026

272 mi

Ridden

$26,056

Raised

My Challenge

$250 raised to fight kids' cancer!

I just raised $250 to fight kids' cancer and achieved PROTECTOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

Posted 13 days ago
$100 raised to fight kids' cancer!

I just raised $100 to fight kids' cancer and achieved DEFENDER LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

Posted 15 days ago

My Sponsors

Janet Banks

“In honor of my son, Sean Strother, I am making a Valentine's Day birthday donation to the Great Cycle Challenge USA (GCC) to jump-start my campaign to end childhood cancer. The GCC is a national ride benefiting the Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF), supporting lifesaving research and better treatment for kids with cancer. The GCC has become one of the largest cycling events in the USA. Since its inception, participants from all 50 states have ridden tens of millions of miles and raised over $80,000,000 to fund research and programs that bring hope and healing to children and their families. Children's Cancer Research Fund uses these dollars to fuel innovative childhood cancer research, focusing on hard-to-treat diseases and survivorship, and to support resources that improve quality of life for kids and families navigating treatment. Please join us and pedal toward brighter futures for these brave children. We're in together. Love, Janet”
$214
Received this donation 15 days ago

Janet
Janet Banks

“The GCC Team - Sean Strother Family & Friends extends heartfelt thanks to all members and guests who visited our information table at Bike Cleveland's Annual Meeting last month to learn about the Great Cycle Challenge USA, benefiting the Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). We were proud to share how CCRF funds groundbreaking research to develop better treatments and ultimately cures for children battling cancer. A special thank-you goes to everyone who participated in our raffle for the Smart Helmet featuring a customizable DIY LED screen, generously donated by GCC legacy rider Evelin Rios. Your contributions directly help advance life-saving research. Congratulations to our raffle winner, Kathy Sonnhalter of the Cleveland Public Library! The Children's Cancer Research Fund is a GuideStar Platinum Transparency participant, a sign of its commitment to accountability and impact.”
$51.75
Received this donation 13 days ago

Janet