24 Foundation would not be possible without the help from all the people, organizations and companies in our community. One of those companies is Cigna, a global health service company that has aided employers and organizations worldwide to stay healthy since 1982. With over 35,000 employees and sales in more than 30 countries, Cigna plays a huge part in helping people improve their overall health. As a company that is active in working to support organizations and events in the community, Cigna’s participation, support and sponsorship of 24 Foundation is a given.

“Participating with 24 Foundation supports Cigna’s mission – to improve the health, wellbeing and sense of security of the customers we serve – and is a positive experience for everyone involved,” said Lisa Renee Hess, Director of Client Engagement at Cigna.

Every year, Cigna hosts the Go with Cigna contest, where they urge participants to share how their involvement in 24 Foundation has helped them reach a health or wellness goal. This year’s top prize for the contest included prizes, such as free registration for 2015 24 Foundation Charlotte and cycling dry fit shirts. The contest is a way to celebrate 24 Foundation participants for their hard work in reaching health and wellness goals. The 2014 Go with Cigna winner is David Bentley, who, after multiple years of trying to ride with 24 Foundation, did not let anything get in the way of participating this year. David even postponed a biopsy of his prostate to August 12 in order to be able to participate in 24 Foundation.

“I find it ironic that after so many times not being able to make this fundraising ride for cancer research, the one time I get in, I face the possibility of having cancer myself,” David Bentley said. “But when the doctor did not like how my prostate felt and wanted to do a biopsy I told him I was not missing this ride.”

David is riding in honor of his father, Leroy Bentley, who lost his fight to prostate cancer and non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in December 1995. Much like David, Cigna is also committed to riding with 24 Foundation as a way to honor people affected by cancer. Each year Cigna employees ride together on Team Cigna to support someone they know that has been affected by cancer or for the experience itself. Team Cigna uses the ride to lead by example and demonstrate Cigna’s ongoing commitment and dedication to promote and maintain a healthy lifestyle and at the same time raising funds for local and national fighting cancer programs.

“Team Cigna riders sign up for 24 Foundation each year enthusiastically – they love the cause and challenge of the event,” Lisa said.