Open LMS Gives Back: Funding Cancer Research With the Great Cycle Challenge and Pancare Foundation Trek for Hope

In addition to helping organizations and institutions deliver highly effective learning experiences, Open LMS is dedicated to giving back to communities around the world. As part of this ongoing commitment, Open LMS is pleased to share its involvement in the Great Cycle Challenge and the Pancare Foundation Trek for Hope, events that raise funds for life-saving cancer research.

The Great Cycle Challenge

The Great Cycle Challenge is one of the biggest cycling events in the United States. It takes place each year in September and benefits the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. Participants of all ages and ability levels set personal riding challenges and, by reaching their pedaling goals, raise funds to develop better treatments for childhood cancer. Since its inception in 2015, cyclists from all 50 states and from overseas have ridden over 29,800,000 miles, raising $63,421,548.

Strategic Accounts Manager Kara Conger is one of several Open LMS employees dedicated to this cause. “This year Open LMS had 14 team members participate. Some of them were riding for their sixth consecutive year! We were able to raise $6,706 and ride 1,101 miles,” said Conger.

There’s still time to donate. Visit the Open LMS team’s Great Cycle Challenge webpage to support this cause.

The Pancare Foundation Trek for Hope

Hikers traverse the Papua New Guinean jungle during the Pancare Foundation Trek for Hope. Photo from Ash Kammerhofer.

On the other side of the globe, Open LMS partners with the Pancare Foundation, a leading charity committed to raising awareness, supporting families, and funding research for upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The partnership with the Pancare Foundation is in memory of Leanne Drummy, a dear colleague who passed away in 2020 after living with stomach cancer.

The Pancare Foundation Trek for Hope is a fundraising effort designed for adventurers. Hikers raise funds while tackling the Kokoda Track, a stretch of jungle and mountain ranges in the southeast region of Papua New Guinea where Australian and Japanese soldiers fought in World War II.

Participating in the Trek for Hope was personal for Ash Kammerhofer, Senior Account Executive at Open LMS. “We lost a friend in Leanne Drummy, and my great-grandfather fought in Kokoda. It was only fitting that I sign up to push myself and honor not only Leanne and my ancestor but everyone who lost their lives or were affected in either fight,” said Kammerhofer. “We raised just under $60,000 AUD, took more than 172,000 steps, climbed over 6,700 meters of elevation, and I had the experience of a lifetime.”

Although our colleague is finished with his trek, it’s never too late to show your support. Visit Ash Kammerhofer’s Pancare Foundation Trek for Hope donation page to learn more about the fundraiser and donate to fund cancer treatment research.