James Watson ’78 to go on 500-mile bike ride to raise money for cancer research
Watson majored in biology at Carleton.
James Watson ’78 will go on a 500-mile bike ride from New York City to Niagara Falls this summer to raise money for experimental cancer research. He will be journaling throughout the ride, which lasts July 25 to August 1.
Riding across New York State isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes courage and a commitment to something greater than oneself.
I am cycling more than 500 miles from NYC to Niagara Falls in one week this summer for one reason: to end cancer. I am committing to helping shape the future of cancer research and treatment while honoring everyone affected by cancer.
Almost everyone knows someone taken or sickened by cancer. I will be riding to honor my wife Nozomi Ikuta. I will be riding in memory of Aiko Ikuta, Edward Hebditch, Donald Watson, Alice Ikuta Scholz, Teruko Ikuta, Mutsuko Ikuta, and Stephen Sakatos.
Funds raised through Empire State Ride are earmarked for the pioneering, innovative cancer research. As a former scientist, I know how constraining the grant application process to government and foundations can be. Scientists are often forced to promise small goals in normal science, not risking innovative, paradigm-shifting research for fear of failure or receiving something like a Proxmire Golden Fleece award. Actually any experiment that gives an answer is a success, sometimes especially if the answer is unexpected. What ESR funds give is the freedom for gifted scientists to imagine and innovate.
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, was recently awarded the highest possible rating – Exceptional – during its five-year Cancer Center Support Grant renewal. Every dollar raised leads to an additional $23 in funding from external grants and leads to breakthroughs that affect how we treat cancer everywhere.
It will not be an easy journey, but with your support, I know my hard work will be worth every mile.
Thank you for supporting me on this adventure!