July 13, 2026 Exerpt from article by Drea Garvue
Full article download: "Teams Making an Impact, One Obliteride at a Time"
Dr. Josh Hill — Associate Professor in the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division and the Clinical Research Division
Obliteride team: ImmunOptimize for All!
Fundraising designation: Dr. Josh Hill
How did ImmunOptimize for All! initially form?
Our team ImmunOptimize for All! was created last year to support the launch of the ImmunOptimize Network and the broader mission behind it. We are developing a national initiative that builds foundational infrastructure to accelerate clinical trial activation and advance innovative strategies for preventing and treating infections in immunocompromised populations.
How did you first get involved with the team?
As a leader of the ImmunOptimize Network, I was honored to form our Obliteride team in 2025 and to add Dr. Jim Boonyaratanakornkit as a co-captain for this year. Fred Hutch has been an incredible partner in supporting our work, and we are excited to come together with the community in honor of the shared mission to help cure cancer faster.
How does Obliteride impact your work at Fred Hutch?
Participating in Obliteride reinforces the multidisciplinary spirit that defines Fred Hutch. It brings our community together outside of the clinical and research settings. There is a bond you feel in the shared purpose and commitment when you bike past another rider wearing an Obliteride jersey. I ride to help improve the lives of my patients, support the groundbreaking research led by my colleagues and strengthen the community united behind advancing cancer care and cures.
I ride to help improve the lives of my patients, support the groundbreaking research led by my colleagues and strengthen the community united behind advancing cancer care and cures. — Josh Hill
What route do you plan to do for your 100-mile virtual ride this year?
I am planning to cycle the North Cascades Highway over Washington Pass to the Methow Valley.
What brings you back to participate in Obliteride?
Last year’s event was incredibly successful and inspiring, so there was never any question that our team would return. Participating in Obliteride helps generate essential donor support, raise awareness for this highly specialized patient population and fund innovative research studies. These efforts have the potential to improve the quality of life for impacted individuals and their loved ones.
Participating in Obliteride helps generate essential donor support, raise awareness for this highly specialized patient population and fund innovative research studies. — Josh Hill
Does your team have any unique traditions or fundraising tactics?
Each year, our team looks for new and creative ways to raise funds and give back. This year, we are partnering with the Marketing & Communications team to develop memorabilia that community members can wear and share year-round to help spread awareness and support our mission.
Want to join Obliteride?
Visit the Obliteride website to start a team or join an existing one today as a rider, walker, runner or virtual participant. Volunteer opportunities are available, too! You can also learn more about Obliteride on CenterNet and read additional Center News stories from staff sharing what inspires them to participate. Remember, 100% of participant-raised dollars fuels groundbreaking discovery at Fred Hutch, thanks to generous event sponsors and supporters.