Q&A with Member Marc Carmel: His dedication to Cycle for Survival and rise to leadership in Chicago's fight against rare cancers

We are proud to announce that our Chicago office is once again raising money for cancer research through Cycle for Survival, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's official rare cancer fundraiser. Rare cancer research is critically underfunded, and Cycle for Survival helps close that gap. Since 2007, this fundraiser has empowered hundreds of doctors and scientists at MSK to pursue bold ideas that continue to transform the diagnosis and treatment of rare cancers. McDonald Hopkins' involvement will culminate in a cycling event on February 5 at Equinox in Chicago, but the fundraising is already underway. Team McDonald Hopkins has already raised thousands of dollars, all under the stewardship of the Chicago office’s Managing Member: Marc Carmel.

In addition to being a seasoned, powerhouse attorney, Marc is passionate about making a difference in his community. When he commits to something, he does it with his whole heart. Cycle for Survival was no exception—and the foundation took note of his tenacity.

Recently, Marc was appointed to Cycle for Survival’s Chicago Leadership Committee, which consists of “a group of dedicated Cycle for Survival community members living in the Chicagoland area. Each one is passionate about the fight against rare cancers and is integral to Cycle for Survival. Members of the team are specially selected and work both individually and collaboratively throughout the season to ensure the fundraising success and future growth of Cycle for Survival in Chicago. Their knowledge of Chicago’s geography, culture, surrounding companies, and all else that matters to the greater Chicago community is invaluable,” according to Cycle for Survival.

To give us a deeper look into his journey with Cycle for Survival and his commitment to leading the charge in Chicago’s fight against rare cancers, Marc shared his personal experiences and insights in the following Q&A.

(Marc Carmel (left) with other McDonald Hopkins' attorneys)

How did you first become involved with Cycle for Survival?

Cycle for Survival was a natural organization to become involved with because one of its founders was in the restructuring industry, and I have been a Chicago restructuring attorney for 20-plus years.  I was attracted to its mission of raising money to fund rare cancer research led by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center because I—like everyone else I know—have had friends and family significantly affected by rare cancers.  What I did not know when I first became involved, but what I have come to realize over the several years since, is that Cycle for Survival provides so many benefits to people who become involved. First and foremost, rare cancers are not rare and research has been extremely effective at helping save lives and make lives better.  It is important work and feels great to be a part of the solution.  Second, the Cycle for Survival events are fun.  Every year, I leave the cycling event feeling great and full of energy.  I am reminded of the good in humanity.  Third, our firm’s involvement with the organization, and especially the day of the cycling event is a great way to team build.  (Of course, it helps that we have a great team at McDonald Hopkins.)  I look forward to our ride on February 5, 2025, and our continued involvement with Cycle for Survival.

What do you find so impactful about Cycle for Survival?

Cycle for Survival raises money to support research for rare cancers.  The term “rare” is really a misnomer.  It refers to a particular type of cancer, which may be rare, but there are so many “rare” cancers that, collectively, are very common. Unfortunately, I think everyone has a personal connection with rare cancers.  I am no different. I have family members and friends that have fought this fight.

The organization Cycle for Survival does an amazing job of funding successful research and celebrating those successes. The actual ride is a celebration of life-changing research that’s funded by Cycle for Survival donations, the efforts cancer patients are making in their fights, and the success stories that are made possible when the research results are combined with the strong efforts of patients and their families.  Each year, I leave the ride feeling invigorated by these stories, the people involved with the organization, and the energy in the room.

What are your goals as a member of the Chicago Leadership Committee, and how do you think your background as an attorney contributes to achieving them?

I have several goals.  First, I am committed to getting others from McDonald Hopkins involved, and so far, they've truly stepped up. Second, I have increased my commitment of time and money and expect to continue doing that to increase the impact that I’m making on the organization.  Third, I am interested in encouraging more organizations to become involved. 

As an attorney, I am goal-driven and organized.  I am hopeful that those skills will help me achieve these goals.  For example, I have a broad network that I’ve developed.  I systematically tap into that network to encourage more companies and firms to become involved.

How did you inspire both the Chicago office and your broader network to engage with and feel passionate about the cause?

The key to this is just exposing as many people to the organization and communicating its message because the message speaks for itself. I have reached out to many contacts in my network and recommended that they get their workplaces involved. I explain that it’s a great cause that raises money for research that affects so many people, it’s not only rewarding, but fun. Because of all of this, involvement with the organization provides great team building.  Once people get a taste of the Cycle for Survival rides, they’re hooked.

Why do you believe it’s so important for attorneys to lend their hand, or their networks, to a nonprofit organization like Cycle for Survival?

I’d like to think that it’s the right thing to do to help out and give back in whatever way works.  Each year, I leave the Cycle for Survival event feeling positive and reinvigorated.  That’s all I need to know that the time and effort are worthwhile.

If you'd like to help Team McDonald Hopkins in the fight against rare cancer, you can donate here.