February 10, 2023

Next Sparc United Rider, Claire Firrell, Honored with the 2022 All-In VeloSano Award

By: James Carey
Executive Summary
Sparking Hope in the Cancer Community and Beyond

Over the last seven years, Next Sparc United rider, and cancer survivor and advocate, Claire Firrell, has been an incredible source of strength for many in the cancer community and in the VeloSano network. It’s because of Claire’s exuberance and passion for supporting others that VeloSano, Cleveland Clinic’s premier fundraising initiative, recently honored Claire with the 2022 All-In VeloSano award.

Claire Firrell, third from the top left, is pictured with fellow riders of Next Sparc United at the VeloSano Bike-A-Thon.
Claire Firrell, third from the top left, is pictured with fellow riders of Next Sparc United at the VeloSano Bike-A-Thon.

Over the last seven years, more than 110 rounds of chemotherapy, and several major surgeries at Cleveland Clinic, Claire Firrell is living her life—not in the shadow of cancer—but vivaciously in spite of it. Or, as her donors often say, she’s “kicking cancer’s ass.”

Claire has been an incredible source of strength for many in the cancer community and in the VeloSano network. She has gone through peaks and valleys during her long-time battle with cancer, but represents the resilience and perseverance of cancer patients and survivors everywhere.

It’s because of Claire’s exuberance and passion for supporting others that VeloSano, Cleveland Clinic’s premier fundraising initiative, recently honored Claire with the 2022 All-In VeloSano award. This special recognition highlights one standout individual, team, or group for their exceptional efforts and contributions to VeloSano and cancer research at Cleveland Clinic.

Claire Firrell
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As a mother of three, Claire says that her family is her greatest source of daily motivation. She’s been a VeloSano rider and a member of Team Next Sparc United for five years, and has raised over $22,000 in 2021 for the cause.

The cause is personal for me and all others who have to fight this battle.

— Claire Firrell, Next Sparc United Rider and cancer advocate

Claire has also been a Big Wheelers top fundraiser every year and has raised a cumulative total of over $61,000 for VeloSano to support cancer research at Cleveland Clinic. She does this not just for her own wellbeing, but also for her caregivers, and for the benefit of others facing a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

“Claire has been an integral part of Team Next Sparc United for the past 5 years and continuously inspires all who know her,” says James Carey, Partner at Next Sparc and fellow Next Sparc United rider.

Together with Claire, the Next Sparc United team has raised a total of $100,020 in 2021 for VeloSano, with 100% of all proceeds raised directly supporting transformative, lifesaving cancer research at Cleveland Clinic. Gifts to date have resulted in innovative treatment, therapies, and comfort to patients across a wide range of cancer specialities.

Next Sparc United is composed of team members of Next Sparc growth equity firm, as well as those from Next Sparc’s portfolio companies, and other outside networks. We are proud to have Claire Firrell as a valued member of the team.