Million Dollar Bike Ride 2026: Riding and Walking to Fund Congenital Hyperinsulinism Research in Philadelphia
Why We Ride for Congenital Hyperinsulinism (HI) Research
Families living with congenital hyperinsulinism (HI) face life-threatening challenges every day — but together, we can help change that.
On Saturday, June 13, 2026, Team CHI will take part in the Million Dollar Bike Ride (MDBR) and Million Dollar Mile 2026, a Philadelphia-based charity bike ride and walk benefiting rare disease research at the University of Pennsylvania, bringing together riders and walkers to support congenital hyperinsulinism fundraising and HI research.
Our goal for 2026 is to raise $70,000 to accelerate progress toward better diagnostics, improved treatments, and a cure for HI through this rare-disease research fundraising event.
Learn more about the Million Dollar Bike Ride (and walk) here.
Jump ahead for instructions on how to register with Team CHIbra.
Living with HI is challenging and can be unpredictable. Life with the disease often requires constant monitoring, frequent blood sugar checks, IV glucose, dietary management, or major surgery. The emotional and financial toll on individuals and families is significant.
That’s why CHI participates in the Million Dollar Bike Ride through Team CHIbra — to fund the research that families urgently need.
Reaching our $70,000 goal will help fund pilot research grants focused on:
- improved and earlier diagnosis
- safer, more effective treatments
- long-term solutions, and progress toward a cure
What are the Million Dollar Bike Ride and the Million Dollar Mile in Philadelphia
The MDBR, hosted by the Orphan Disease Center at University of Pennsylvania, brings together 600+ cyclists and volunteers for a ride of 10, 32, or 72 miles through Philadelphia and the surrounding region — all to support rare disease research.
Those who are not cycling are welcome to walk the Million Dollar Mile! You must be registered to participate. Please note, this is for walkers, strollers, and adaptive mobility equipment only. No bicycles or scooters permitted. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
This year, the University will no longer match donations, so community support matters more than ever.
Team CHIbra’s Impact on Hyperinsulinism Research Through the Million Dollar Bike Ride
Thanks to the dedication of riders, donors, walkers, and volunteers, CHI has raised more than $889,450 for HI research over the past 13 years and funded unique pilot research projects, including studies on:
- new and existing treatment options
- the bionic pancreas
- natural history and outcomes
- genetics and disease mechanisms
- glucose monitoring tools
More information on our past MDBR grant-winning projects can be found here. Researchers will be able to apply in September for our 2026 pilot research grant, funded by proceeds from the 2026 MDBR.
Join Team CHIbra for the Million Dollar Bike Ride 2026
Whether you ride, walk, fundraise, or donate, your participation makes a real difference, bringing us closer to our $70,000 fundraising goal and helping to change the future of HI.
Together, we can:
- fuel life-changing research
- support families living with HI
- move closer to a cure
How to join and support Team CHIbra:
- Visit the MDBR registration page
- Register as a cyclist, walker, or volunteer
- Select “Team CHIbra” from the dropdown menu under “Additional Information” when you add your ticket – thank you for being part of our team!
Questions? Please email Jennifer Schmitt at jschmitt@congenitalhi.org
The Million Dollar Bike Ride 2026 is a rare-disease bike ride fundraiser held in Philadelphia that supports congenital hyperinsulinism research through the Orphan Disease Center at the University of Pennsylvania. By participating with Team CHI, riders and walkers help advance treatments and improve outcomes for individuals and families living with HI.
