Sean Strother Family & Friends
- National: 11th
- Category: 1st
Our Challenge
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Welcome to Team Sean Strother Family & Friends
25 Mar 2026I am Janet Banks, GCC Champion and legacy rider. Our team was created in memory of — and inspired by — my son, Sean Strother, a GCC Top 100 rider.
While undergoing treatment for Glioblastoma, a rare, aggressive, and incurable brain cancer, Sean joined BMC Software’s Great Cycle Challenge team at the invitation of his colleague and fellow legacy rider, Cody Dean. Without hesitation, he said yes. Sean wanted to help children and ride to end cancer — so that no child would ever endure the suffering he did. Cycling brought him strength, hope, and community. It was something he cherished and something he loved to share with his daughters, Jada and Chloe. The Major Taylor Cleveland Cycling Club was the first to welcome Sean into the Cleveland cycling community.
This September, we ride to end childhood cancer and save little lives.
Today, cancer is the number one killer of children from disease in the United States. More than 15,000 children are diagnosed every year — and tragically, about 38 children lose their lives to cancer every single week. Though treatments continue to improve, childhood cancer remains a devastating challenge that demands our sustained attention, funding, and research.
Our team’s fundraising will support rare cancer research at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Center for Pediatric Immunotherapy — fueling innovation close to home, and hope for children everywhere.
Join our community ride.
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 | Gather at 9:00 AM · Roll out at 10:00 AM
Where: University Hospitals of Cleveland · 2065 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, Ohio.
What: A family-friendly 8–10-mile ride through University Circle
Then: Celebrate at the finish with an ice cream social, family activities, and photo opportunities
Your support truly makes a difference. Please consider joining our team, riding with us, or donating in any amount — every contribution brings us one step closer to ending childhood cancer.
Let’s ride in honor of Sean’s memory, in support of every family touched by cancer, and in tribute to the courage of every child still fighting.
Together, we can advance world-class research, improve quality of life, and bring hope where it is needed most.
This event takes a community to make possible. We are deeply grateful to University Hospitals of Cleveland, the Children’s Cancer Research Fund, our Cleveland cycling community, the wonderful volunteers of the Cleveland Chums, Inc., GCC legacy riders, and all of our friends and family for their unwavering support — and to everyone who will keep us safe on the road.
With gratitude and hope,
Janet Banks
Sean’s Mom & GCC Champion
Posted 39 days ago
Our Sponsors
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Janet Banks sponsored 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”
$214Received this donation 77 days ago -
Janet Banks sponsored 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.”
$51.75Received this donation 76 days ago