Hope Has No Limits

Lia says that cancer research saved her life — and gave her back the opportunity to live a full life while actively in treatment. Lia was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2025 after months of migraines led to a scan that found a seven-centimeter tumor. She had surgery to remove the tumor and rode in Pelotonia just one day after she was medically cleared. She received proton therapy, a less toxic form of radiation which was Pelotonia funded and now is committed to ride as long as she's physically capable.

Diagnosed with prostate cancer in February 2026, Carl had surgery in March — a time where he found genuine connection and support from the cycling community throughout his recovery. Now, Carl is back on the bike for his third year riding with Wheels of Color. What was once a ride for loved ones who had faced cancer has become deeply personal now, and this year, he'll cross the finish line as a Survivor.

First diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 22, Brian later faced a liver cancer diagnosis in 2024, this time guided by genetic testing that helped his care team find the treatment built specifically for his cancer, drastically improving his outcome in a way that he describes as life-saving. Brian calls Pelotonia part of his family, and is grateful the community is funding the kind of research that made his personalized cancer treatment possible.

Now an 8-year-old who loves to play tennis, practice gymnastics, and ride her bike with her friends, Emi was diagnosed with leukemia at age 3. Her parents believe that cancer research saved her life. Research done fifty years before her diagnosis significantly improved Emi’s treatment options, and she’s now three years cancer-free. As a Pelotonia Kids Rider, Emi is fundraising for pediatric cancer research to help other kids, hoping they don't have to go through what she did.

Steve was the direct beneficiary of research when he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia 14 years ago. Now cancer-free, he also rides for his wife, Melonie, as she continues treatment for ovarian cancer. Steve has been part of Pelotonia since year one and describes the community as a magnet that pulls you in with an energy and momentum that brings people together.

When her mom encouraged her to get checked out, Cece discovered she had thyroid cancer, but she felt lucky that surgery was her treatment. Cece has worked at the OSUCCC – James since 2002 and seen Pelotonia grow since the very beginning. She takes pride in her work , knowing she is surrounded by people whose life mission is to cure cancer.

Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015, Dennis turned to Pelotonia with a 100-mile ride as motivation in his recovery. He celebrated finishing his first ride just six months after surgery. Several years later, he's cancer-free and still riding — now using his story to encourage other men to talk openly about the disease. Dennis believes in the power of community to support cancer research because it gives more people like him more time.

A two-time breast cancer Survivor, Maria credits early detection, including her very first mammogram, with saving her life. A longtime local news reporter, Maria has helped share many stories about the Pelotonia community and fellow Survivors. She has ridden since the first Ride Weekend and now proudly rides alongside her son and many friends, finding joy, support, and strength in the Pelotonia community.