The Sea Otter Classic joined forces with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, to give cyclists and spectators an opportunity to raise money through a fundraising program called 'Make Cures Happen.' Money will be raised in honor of Joshua Alfaro, an 8-year-old boy with leukemia, who lives in Salinas, CA.

When asked if he wanted to be the honoree for the Sea Otter Classic, Joshua responded, “It would be an honor.” “When he said it would be an honor, he really meant it,” says his mother Darice. “He has told me that he sees himself as part of the chain of other kids who have had and who will have cancer. He participates in fundraising events like this so that in the future other kids will have an easier treatment than he has had.”

“We are grateful that the organizers of the Sea Otter Classic have made The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society their charity of choice,” said Greg Becker, President of the Board of Trustees of the Society's Silicon Valley & Monterey Bay Area Chapter. “The cyclists and spectators who raise money through 'Make Cures Happen' are funding cancer research that will help hundreds of thousands of people battling leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.”

“Sea Otter is pleased to have the opportunity to work in partnership with an organization that has made such a positive impact on both living a healthy, active lifestyle and providing researchers with the means to explore a cure for diseases that touch so many people's daily lives,” said Frank Yohannan, President of Sea Otter Classic. “We look forward to building a longstanding relationship with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to work together to creatively build programs that achieve mutual goals.

Eight-year-old Joshua Alfaro was diagnosed with leukemia a year ago. He lives in Salinas, less than 20 miles from the site of the Sea Otter Classic. Joshua travels over 100 miles to UCSF once a month for chemotherapy that is administered through a needle in his hand. He also endures lumbar punctures once every three months, and many blood draws and daily oral medications at home. Joshua has made it through one year of treatment and is facing two-and-a-half more.

Through 'Make Cures Happen,' cyclists and spectators of the Sea Otter Classic ask their friends and families for donations to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The money is raised in Joshua's honor and helps blood cancer patients across the country because The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society invests that money in research and patient services. As an added fundraising incentive, anyone who raises over $600 will be invited to a VIP party during the event and will be included in a drawing of the following adventure trips and bicycles:

Adventure Trips
G.A.P. Adventures has donated a 15-day adrenaline-filled Hike, Bike and Raft Trip in Costa Rica. Value: $1295.

Cycle America has donated a choice of a weeklong bicycle trip.
Value: $835.00.

Timberline Tours has donated a choice of a one-week bicycle or hiking trip of any value through western U.S & Canada, including 34 national parks & monuments. Value: up to $2705.00.

O.A.R.S. has donated a 1-day Whitewater Rafting Trip in California for two on the South Fork of the American River in California. Value: $250.

Mariah Wilderness Expeditions has donated a 2-day Whitewater Rafting Trip in California, South Fork American trip combined with a 1-Day Middle Fork American trip for 1 person in California. Value: $419.

All Outdoors has donated a Whitewater rafting trip for 2 people, South Fork of the American River, California, Monday – Thursday. Value: $537.00.

Bikes
1 GT Road Bike – GTR 2.0 – MSRP $1,299.99 each
1 GT MTB Bike – Avalanche 2.0 – MSRP $449.99
1 GT BMX Bike – Performer – MSRP $279.99