Milford resident and Bank of America employee Steven Solecki is preparing to ride in the annual Closer to Free Ride fundraiser for Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital on September 19. The event, which benefits cancer research and patient care, has been sponsored by Bank of America since 2014.
A personal connection
For Solecki, the ride is more than a corporate‑sponsored charity; it is a tribute to his father, Tony Solecki, a longtime Milford schoolteacher who was diagnosed with glioblastoma in late 2024. “Smilow is near and dear to my family,” Steven said, recalling how the hospital’s staff treated his father with dignity, respect, and honest communication.
“They always had a positive attitude, encouraging us without giving false hope,” he added. The doctors and nurses also extended their care to the entire family—Steven, his brother, their spouses, and grandchildren—providing a human connection that left a lasting impression.
Giving back through community service
Steven’s participation reflects both his personal gratitude and Bank of America’s ongoing commitment to the community. This year, ten Bank of America employees will ride alongside volunteers, who have already raised $45,000 for the cause.
“It’s a rallying point for all of us to give back to communities that are really important to us,” Solecki said. He noted that the ride brings together survivors, supporters, and donors at the opening ceremony in the historic Yale Bowl, creating an inspiring atmosphere for everyone involved.
Honoring a legacy of hard work and generosity
As he prepares for the ride, Solecki remembers his father’s work ethic and belief in giving back. “My father instilled in me that hard work pays off, and that you have to give back to the communities you’re associated with,” he said. By riding for Smilow, Steven hopes to help other families facing similar battles and keep his father’s spirit alive.
The Closer to Free Ride will continue the tradition of community members and corporate partners uniting to support vital cancer research and patient care at Yale’s Smilow Cancer Hospital.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
