CaptureApprentice Eddie Tautkus is participating in the 4th Annual Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven ‘Closer to Free’ fundraising ride.

The ride is particularly meaningful to Eddie as his Grandmother passed away from breast cancer a few years ago.

“My grandmother helped me when I was younger by telling me to never stop dreaming big and to chase my dreams. She passed away a few years back from breast cancer. To see such a lively and adventurous person become so exhausted and frail from this disease was painful and made me wish it never existed. Hence I always wear a large amount of ‘Keep a Breast Foundation’ bracelets,” he explained. “My grandmother, without a doubt, was a big help in making me who I am today: strong, confident, and always determined to win.”

While participants can chose to ride either 25, 62.5 or 100 miles, Eddie has elected to ride the entire 100 miles.

He explains: “When I heard about the different levels, I knew the only way for me to go was to the top. And when I heard my teammate Meredith’s story, I was definitely honored to represent the team on the 100 mile ride to hopefully one day make breast cancer a thing of the past.”

To donate to this worthwhile cause, please visit Eddie’s fundraising page by clicking here. One hundred percent of the funds raised by Closer to Free riders and volunteers goes to research and patient care at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center. Funds raised previously have benefited programs and initiatives including: Advanced Cell Therapy, Survivorship and funding lab start ups.