Pleasantdale Elementary Raises Money for Cycle for Survival

A stationary cycling team from Pleasantdale Elementary School, comprised of the principal and teachers, raised more than $1,000 to help fund research for rare cancers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

The “Pleasantdale Pedalers”, as the team was known, was comprised of school principal Joanne Pollara and teachers Melissa Malfettano, Nick Salese, Laura Amendola, Lisa Brattoli, Karen Weinstein and Melissa Montanez, according to West Orange School District. The team raised $1,447 during the Eighth Annual Cycle for Survival on Feb. 7.

The Pleasantdale team pedaled at The Equinox Gym in Summit with several other teams, including a team from the West Orange Fire Department, school district officials said.

“The energy and love in the room was amazing as so many people cycled for an imprtant cause that is so close to everyone’s heart and we can’t wait to do it again next year,” Pleasantdale Guidance Counselor Florence Chirichiello said.

Cycle for Survival was founded in 2007 by Jennifer and David Lin, after Jennifer was diagnoses with a rare form of cancer. According to West Orange School District, Cycle for Survival has raised more than $50 million in funds to research rare cancers since 2007.

(Photo courtesy of West Orange School District)