Kathy Dunn has raised more than $100,000 for children's cancer research, and she is not done pedaling.

A cause rooted in personal loss

Dunn, a resident of Mease Life, a continuing care retirement community in Dunedin, begins her 11th year in the Great Cycle Challenge this September. The monthlong event pairs cycling with fundraising for the Children's Cancer Research Fund (CCRF), a national nonprofit that has directed more than $235 million toward childhood cancer research and family support programs since 1981.

Dunn is a 35-year cancer survivor who has lost three family members to the disease. The Dunedin Daily reported that the challenge has become a way for her to channel those experiences into action, returning each September to ride and raise money in their memory.

How this year's ride is structured

Her 2026 fundraising page on the Great Cycle Challenge site lists a goal of 150 miles. The challenge launched Tuesday, Sept. 1, and runs through the month. Entry is free, open to all ages and fitness levels, and riders can participate from any location in the country.

A decade near the top of the leaderboard

A decade of consistent fundraising has earned Dunn a spot on the Great Cycle Challenge USA Champions leaderboard, where she is listed as riding out of Dunedin. The $100,000 she has raised over her first 10 years represents thousands of individual donations funneled to CCRF, which focuses on hard-to-treat childhood cancers, survivorship and health disparities among young patients.

In 2024, more than 81% of CCRF funds went directly to research and program services, according to the organization's website.

How to support or join her

Dunn's 11th ride adds to a record that already stands out nationally. No current-year fundraising total is available yet, but supporters can sponsor her September miles or make a direct donation through her rider page.

Anyone interested in joining the 2026 Great Cycle Challenge can sign up at greatcyclechallenge.com.

Upcoming