Author: The Pelotonia Team
Community Stories
2024 Awards: Researcher of the Year, Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate, PhD
| December 6, 2024
Each year, we honor a handful of individuals who have gone above and beyond in their support of accelerating innovative cancer research with the Pelotonia Awards. These members of the Pelotonia community are champions in the fight against cancer, embodying the relentless commitment to the mission of Ending Cancer that defines the grassroots movement. Their personal journeys are inspiring, and their extraordinary contributions deserve to celebrated.
This award celebrates the incredible achievements of a Pelotonia-funded OSUCCC – James researcher. It highlights the importance of career research funding and underscores the transformative impact of the Pelotonia community’s support on the work of researchers and on the lives of cancer patients.
Pelotonia-Funded Researcher of the Year: Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate, PhD
Dr. Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate has made significant strides in advancing pancreatic cancer research with the support of Pelotonia funding. As Director of the Molecular and Cellular Biology Program and co-leader of the Molecular Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program at the OSUCCC – James, her research focuses on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the deadliest human malignancies.
Since joining Ohio State in 2015, Dr. Cruz-Monserrate’s laboratory has received more than $350,000 from Pelotonia, which has funded multiple research trainees and supported two Idea Grants that investigate the role of adipose tissue in pancreatic cancer progression. This support has been instrumental in generating preliminary data for her newest federally-funded research grant from the National Institiute of Health and National Cancer Institute (NIH/NCI R01 Grant), which explores metabolic interactions within the pancreatic cancer microenvironment.
Beyond her lab’s research, Dr. Cruz-Monserrate has mentored eight Pelotonia Scholars and remains an active Pelotonia participant as a 9-Year Rider and Peloton Captain for Team Buckeye-Guts in Gear personally raising more than $10,881. Dr. Cruz-Monserrate’s work, alongside the Pelotonia community’s support for cancer research like hers, is contributing to significant progress for pancreatic cancer patients, including increased survival rates. The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer patients has increased from six percent in 2000 to nearly 13 percent in 2024.
The Pelotonia community is proud to celebrate the impact of Dr. Cruz-Monserrate’s research through this recognition!
The 2024 Pelotonia Awards winners were announced and celebrated at Night of Impact on November 20th. If you missed the event, you can watch the program on YouTube here.
Community Stories
2024 Awards: Volunteer of the Year, Rob McKay
| December 5, 2024
Each year, we honor a handful of individuals who have gone above and beyond in their support of accelerating innovative cancer research with the Pelotonia Awards. These members of the Pelotonia community are champions in the fight against cancer, embodying the relentless commitment to the mission of Ending Cancer that defines the grassroots movement. Their personal journeys are inspiring, and their extraordinary contributions deserve to celebrated.
This award recognizes a Volunteer whose unselfish and dedicated services have made a significant difference in the Pelotonia community, demonstrating a model of commitment to our mission.
Volunteer of the Year Award Winner: Rob McKay
Rob McKay has been an enthusiastic, reliable Volunteer for a decade. Rob has served as a Lead Volunteer for nine years and has become a familiar, welcoming face to countless participants and supporters throughout Ride Weekend. As the leader of Volunteer check-in at both Opening Ceremony and the McFerson Commons start, Rob likely interacts with more Volunteers than anyone else. He has also led Volunteer Check-In at Gravel Day for the past two years, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring a smooth experience for all participants.
In addition, Rob is the go-to Volunteer for numerous projects that make a big impact. Throughout his years of service, Rob has supported many aspects of Pelotonia operations, including volunteering at the front desk, managing Volunteer check-in lists for various events, leading stewardship send and credential packing shifts at the office, attending every warehouse shift, and even supporting accounting tasks.
Rob’s Volunteers know how appreciated they are by the thoughtful thank you letters their Lead Volunteer sends after events, and he is often providing invaluable feedback to continually enhance the Pelotonia experience. Rob’s dedication, attention to detail, and positive spirit make him an exceptional Volunteer – and possibly most importantly, he always brings a smile to every task.
Congratulations to Rob on receiving the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award!
The 2024 Pelotonia Awards winners were announced and celebrated at Night of Impact on November 20th. If you missed the event, you can watch the program on YouTube here.
Community Stories
2024 Awards: Legacy Award Winner, Karl Koon
| December 4, 2024
Each year, we honor a handful of individuals who have gone above and beyond in their support of accelerating innovative cancer research with the Pelotonia Awards. These members of the Pelotonia community are champions in the fight against cancer, embodying the relentless commitment to the mission of Ending Cancer that defines the grassroots movement. Their personal journeys are inspiring, and their extraordinary contributions deserve to celebrated.
The Pelotonia Legacy Award recognizes an individual who has participated as a Rider, Challenger, or Volunteer for 10+ years, and has exhibited unparalleled leadership and passion for the Pelotonia mission.
Pelotonia Legacy Award Winner: Karl Koon
Karl Koon has created a legacy within the Pelotonia community, dedicating 16 years as a Rider and High Roller, and personally raising over $110,000 for innovative cancer research. For the past 14 years, he has also served as the captain of Team Buckeye, Ohio State’s Super Peloton, which has raised $40 million to date in support of the fight against cancer.
This year Pelotonia’s mission became even more personal to Karl. He was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and began treatment at The James in February 2024. His chemotherapy is a pill taken twice daily called Acalabrutinib, which was a breakthrough therapy that was largely developed through research by OSUCCC – James scientists and physicians with Pelotonia funding support.
Karl’s leadership and generosity have only strengthened as a Survivor. Karl recently retired, but his legacy will live on and inspire future Team Buckeye participants. Karl is Living Proof of the impact of scientific dollars, made possible by the generous support of the Pelotonia community. So many are grateful for his unparalleled passion for the mission and the difference it continues to make.
Congratulations to Karl on receiving the 2024 Pelotonia Legacy Award!
The 2024 Pelotonia Awards winners were announced and celebrated at Night of Impact on November 20th. If you missed the event, you can watch the program on YouTube here.
Community Stories
2024 Awards: Mary Hyatt Courage Award, Shirley Jordan
| December 3, 2024
Each year, we honor a handful of individuals who have gone above and beyond in their support of accelerating innovative cancer research with the Pelotonia Awards. These members of the Pelotonia community are champions in the fight against cancer, embodying the relentless commitment to the mission of Ending Cancer that defines the grassroots movement. Their personal journeys are inspiring, and their extraordinary contributions deserve to celebrated.
The Mary Hyatt Award recognizes a cancer Survivor who embodies courage, perseverance, and grit, and has been instrumental in advancing the Pelotonia mission through grassroots activism, leadership, fundraising, and volunteerism.
Mary Hyatt Courage Award Winner: Shirley Jordan
Shirley Jordan is a 16-Year Lead Volunteer who has been a vital part of Pelotonia since the first year. Shirley’s dedication shines through her leadership of one of the longest Ride Weekend Volunteer shifts: Bike Management at McFerson Commons in Downtown Columbus from Friday morning through Sunday evening. Additionally, she has been a Gravel Day Lead Volunteer for the past two years.
Despite battling her own cancer diagnosis, enduring multiple recurrences, surgeries, and treatment plans, Shirley continues to show up for the Pelotonia community with an unwavering spirit. This year, just two weeks after having surgery to remove a tumor, Shirley once again led her team of Volunteers for the entire Ride Weekend.
Known for her positivity and generosity, Shirley’s name frequently appears in event surveys as someone who inspires others to return as a Volunteer year after year; everyone wants to be on her shifts! Shirley goes above and beyond in many ways, whether bringing sweet treats to the Pelotonia office and to her Volunteers or raffling off a handmade Pelotonia quilt to boost her individual fundraising efforts. Through it all, Shirley continually shows courage.
She faces her journey as a Survivor with incredible bravery and strength, and even as she’s fought a long battle as Living Proof, Shirley humbly considers herself “incredibly lucky.” The Pelotonia community is even luckier to benefit from her volunteerism and so much more!
Pelotonia is proud to recognize Shirley as the 2024 Mary Hyatt Courage Award Winner!
The 2024 Pelotonia Awards winners were announced and celebrated at Night of Impact on November 20th. If you missed the event, you can watch the program on YouTube here.
Community Stories
2024 Awards: First-Year Rider Award, Kyle Wenker
| December 3, 2024
Each year, we honor a handful of individuals who have gone above and beyond in their support of accelerating innovative cancer research with the Pelotonia Awards. These members of the Pelotonia community are champions in the fight against cancer, embodying the relentless commitment to the mission of Ending Cancer that defines the grassroots movement. Their personal journeys are inspiring, and their extraordinary contributions deserve to celebrated.
This award recognizes a new member of the Pelotonia community who brings newfound energy, excitement, and passion to recruitment, fundraising, and participation as a First-Year Rider. This year, we honor two recipients with this well-deserved recognition.
First-Year Rider Award Winner: Kyle Wenker
First-Year Rider, Kyle Wenker, dedicated his ride to his late wife, Megan, who passed away on Christmas Day 2023 from stage IV lung cancer. Kyle was awarded the First-Year Rider Award due to his strength, commitment, and perseverance.
Kyle’s participation in Pelotonia honors Megan’s legacy as an active, vibrant person who loved cycling. Some of his fondest memories of Megan are from the bike rides they shared together. Megan was a pediatrician known for her humility and selflessness. Megan’s spirit lives on through Kyle’s commitment to Pelotonia.
Joining the Simply Community Peloton, Kyle raised $15,765 this year for innovative cancer research.
Over two days, Kyle rode 190 miles alongside his brother-in-law. At the finish line, he was met by Megan’s family, his two young children, and a network of loved ones inspired by his passion.
Kyle described his ride as a “beautiful ode” to Megan that reflects why Pelotonia exists: to channel grief into hope and join a community honoring loved ones lost through investing in life-saving cancer research for others impacted by cancer.
Pelotonia is proud to recognize Kyle as a recipient of the 2024 First-Year Rider Award!
The 2024 Pelotonia Awards winners were announced and celebrated at Night of Impact on November 20th. If you missed the event, you can watch the program on YouTube here.
Community Stories
2024 Awards: First-Year Rider Award, Sarah Hagan
| December 2, 2024
Each year, we honor a handful of individuals who have gone above and beyond in their support of accelerating innovative cancer research with the Pelotonia Awards. These members of the Pelotonia community are champions in the fight against cancer, embodying the relentless commitment to the mission of Ending Cancer that defines the grassroots movement. Their personal journeys are inspiring, and their extraordinary contributions deserve to celebrated.
The First-Year Rider award recognizes a new member of the Pelotonia community who brings newfound energy, excitement, and passion to recruitment, fundraising, and participation as a First-Year Rider. This year, we honor two recipients with this well-deserved recognition.
First-Year Rider Award Winner: Sarah Hagan
First-Year Rider, Sarah Hagan’s Pelotonia experience was deeply personal. She was awarded the First-Year Rider award due to her courage, resilience, and determination through her own cancer diagnosis.
Sarah was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in October 2023. Over the next 10 months, Sarah faced numerous medical challenges that tested her both physically and emotionally. In December 2023, she underwent lumpectomy surgery, followed by an egg retrieval procedure in January 2024 to preserve her fertility before starting chemotherapy from February to May.
During all of this, Sarah remained committed to riding in Pelotonia and to her team, Designer Brands/DSW Peloton. Throughout her six weeks of radiation in June and July, Sarah participated in training rides, embodying perseverance and resilience of Living Proof.
On August 2, the same day as Opening Ceremony, Sarah completed her final radiation session and was declared cancer-free! The very next day, she rode the 20-mile route and crossed the finish line alongside her teammates.
Sarah’s journey is a powerful testament to her unwavering dedication to supporting Pelotonia’s mission, turning her personal cancer fight into a symbol of hope and triumph that not only inspires her team members, but the whole Pelotonia community.
Congratulations to Sarah on receiving the 2024 First-Year Rider Award!
The 2024 Pelotonia Awards winners were announced and celebrated at Night of Impact on November 20th. If you missed the event, you can watch the program on YouTube here.
In the News
Pelotonia Raises $26.2 million in 2024 for Innovative Cancer Research
| November 20, 2024
Third-highest annual total brings all-time funds raised to $309 million for the OSUCCC – James
COLUMBUS, Ohio (November 20, 2024) – Pelotonia announced today an annual fundraising total of $26,200,095 in 2024, bringing all-time funds raised to $309,861,962 for innovative cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), including The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, since the first ride in 2009.
The organization revealed the total on stage at Pelotonia Night of Impact, a community gathering of nearly 2,000 participants and guests at Kemba Live! in downtown Columbus. This year’s $26.2 million fundraising total is now the third highest in Pelotonia history.
“For 16 years, the Pelotonia community has rallied together to fund groundbreaking cancer research at the OSUCCC – James. We appreciate the collective effort of every Pelotonia participant that rode, volunteered, and fundraised in 2024,” said Joe Apgar, CEO of Pelotonia and cancer survivor. “The Pelotonia community is made up of tens of thousands of individuals dedicated to our mission of ending cancer. There are people in our community and all over the world who are going to benefit from their ongoing generosity.”
Pelotonia’s generous funding partners provide operational support, allowing the organization to direct 100 percent of every participant-raised dollar to innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC – James. New funding partners in 2024 include Ariel Corporation, Barbasol and The Haslam 3 Foundation. Longtime and returning funding partners include American Electric Power Foundation, Bath & Body Works, Huntington National Bank, Peggy & Richard Santulli, Victoria’s Secret, M/I Homes, Safelite, Cardinal Health, Diamond Hill, Nationwide Insurance and Pharmavite.
More than 11,000 individuals participated in Pelotonia 2024, including more than 6,900 Riders and 3,000 Volunteers who participated in Ride Weekend and Gravel Day. More than 2,500 Challengers participated by fundraising virtually. Participants represented 46 states across the U.S. and 16 countries globally. More than 800 cancer Survivors, who are Living Proof, participated in Pelotonia’s events this year.
“At the OSUCCC – James, we are grateful for every Pelotonia participant’s support this year, including the medical volunteers from the Wexner Medical Center. The significant funds raised by the Pelotonia community are leading to scientific discoveries and breakthroughs to improve cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care,” said David Cohn, MD, interim CEO and chief medical officer of The James. “Pelotonia funding allows cancer researchers to invest in big ideas and innovative approaches that will move us closer to our shared vision of a cancer-free world.”
Pelotonia headquarters recently moved to the Energy Advancement and Innovation Center (EAIC) in the Carmenton district at The Ohio State University and next door to the Pelotonia Research Center, an interdisciplinary research center named in recognition of Pelotonia’s partnership and philanthropic support for accelerating innovative cancer research at Ohio State.
Pelotonia 2025 dates have been announced for its signature event, Opening Ceremony on August 1 and Ride Weekend on August 2-3. The Gravel Day 2025 date will be announced soon. Registration for Pelotonia 2025 will open on March 5.
For more information and to learn about the impact of Pelotonia dollars, please visit pelotonia.org.
Community Stories
Turning Grief into Lasting Impact: Kathy Quickert
| October 25, 2024
National Estate Planning Awareness Week is October 21-27, 2024. This week serves as a reminder that everyone, no matter your age or assets, should have a plan for the future. A planned gift, such as including a nonprofit as a beneficiary within an estate plan, allows the donor to contribute to an organization beyond their lifetime.
This week, we’re highlighting individuals who have made planned gifts to Pelotonia with the hope that their stories inspire others to consider planned giving as well.
Kathy Quickert is a 10-Year Rider, High Roller, and Peloton Captain for Team Lane Bryant, which she has been part of since 2015. Kathy has been a High Roller for nine years, raising $82,760 in all-time funds for Pelotonia.
“I started participating in Pelotonia 10 years ago. In that same year, my sister, Kelly, and my aunt were diagnosed. My aunt lost her battle, but Kelly is now 10 years cancer-free. Three years later, my mom was diagnosed with the same type of breast cancer as Kelly. My mom is now seven years cancer-free and I’m so grateful that research progressed so far as to be lifesaving for both of them,” said Kathy.“My dad, Edward Joseph Quickert, Sr., was then diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer on March 13, 2023. He died exactly three months later, to the day, on June 12th. I will NEVER not participate in Pelotonia because the grief I feel from his loss is so great that I cannot imagine anyone else having to go through what my family did. I know many do, but I want research to get far enough along that the pain of this loss is somehow tempered by the fact that others will not have to experience this type of grief.”
Kathy has taken her dedication to the mission of Ending Cancer beyond her annual participation as a Rider to leave a lasting legacy in honor of her family members she rides for. Kathy has established a bequest to benefit Pelotonia. Establishing a bequest allows you to designate Pelotonia as a beneficiary in your will or trust. It’s a simple and flexible option that allows you to specify a percentage or specific amount to be donated to the mission or an organization you care deeply about.
“I simply want an end to cancer and I firmly believe that the only way to do that is to provide research funding to the best and brightest researchers so that we one day get to experience a life that is cancer-free,” Kathy said.
By leaving Pelotonia in her estate plans, Kathy is now a part of the Pelotonia Legacy Society, a group of forward-thinking supporters who share a vision to provide for future generations of cancer patients and their families.
The Pelotonia Legacy Society allows you to leave a lasting impact that will continue to accelerate innovative cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Center (OSUCCC – James) beyond their lifetime.
Learn more about the various ways you can leave a planned gift to Pelotonia here.
If you have already included Pelotonia in your estate plans, please let us know by completing this form.
Have questions about leaving Pelotonia in your estate plans or other planned giving options? Contact Erika Walker, Philanthropy and Stewardship Manager, at ewalker@pelotonia.org.
Community Stories
Honoring Loved Ones Through Planned Giving: Sarah Buckley
| October 24, 2024
National Estate Planning Awareness Week is October 21-27, 2024. This week serves as a reminder that everyone, no matter your age or assets, should have a plan for the future. A planned gift, such as including a nonprofit as a beneficiary within an estate plan, allows the donor to contribute to an organization beyond their lifetime.
This week, we’re highlighting individuals who have made planned gifts to Pelotonia with the hope that their stories inspire others to consider planned giving as well.
Sarah Buckley is a 13-Year Pelotonia participant as a long-time Lead Volunteer and Challenger. Named Volunteer of the Year in 2022, and achieving High Roller status this year, Sarah has raised $29,445 in all-time funds for innovative cancer research through her individual fundraising efforts.
“My family was aware of Pelotonia from the beginning, as my uncle is a cyclist. He began riding for my mom when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Soon after, my dad was diagnosed,” Sarah said. “Our family is passionate about ending this disease. Every year I participate in Pelotonia, I’m inspired by this amazing community and driven to do more.”
Sarah has extended her commitment to the Pelotonia mission through the decision to make a planned gift within her estate plans, ensuring that she will contribute to cancer research beyond her lifetime.
“My mom was my inspiration. After we lost my dad to cancer, she felt strongly about including Pelotonia in her updated will. When she passed away this spring and I reevaluated my estate plans, I wanted to do the same,” Sarah said.
Sarah is now a part of the Pelotonia Legacy Society, a group of forward-thinking supporters who share a vision to provide for future generations of cancer patients and their families.
The Pelotonia Legacy Society allows you to leave a lasting impact that will continue to accelerate innovative cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Center (OSUCCC – James).
Learn more about the various ways you can leave a planned gift to Pelotonia here.
If you have already included Pelotonia in your estate plans, please let us know by completing this form.
Have questions about leaving Pelotonia in your estate plans or other planned giving options? Contact Erika Walker, Philanthropy and Stewardship Manager, at ewalker@pelotonia.org.
Community Stories
Leaving a Legacy on Ending Cancer: CJ and Gina Hall
| October 23, 2024
National Estate Planning Awareness Week is October 21-27, 2024. This week serves as a reminder that everyone, no matter your age or assets, should have a plan for the future. A planned gift, such as including a nonprofit as a beneficiary within an estate plan, allows the donor to contribute to an organization beyond their lifetime.
This week, we’re highlighting individuals who have made planned gifts to Pelotonia with the hope that their stories inspire others to consider planned giving as well.
CJ and Gina Hall have been long-time Pelotonia donors to support their friend, 15-Year Rider and High Roller Michael Schoen, who is Pelotonia’s top all-time fundraiser. After years of being inspired by Michael and donating to his ride, CJ and Gina decided to take their support for Pelotonia a step further by adding Pelotonia as a beneficiary in their estate plans.
“We have been inspired for many years by our dear friend Michael and his devotion to the cause of defeating cancer, and Pelotonia in particular,” CJ and Gina said. “We all have been touched by cancer, one way or another, and we began thinking about allocating a portion of our estate to medical purposes, Pelotonia was an obvious choice for us.”
CJ and Gina have established a bequest in their personal trust to benefit Pelotonia. Establishing a bequest allows you to designate Pelotonia as a beneficiary in your will or trust. It’s a simple and flexible option that allows you to specify a percentage or specific amount to be donated to the mission or an organization you care deeply about.
“Short of saddling up for the August ride ourselves, we can think of no better way to contribute to accelerate cancer research. Establishing this bequest in our personal trust leaves us confident that we will make a small contribution to defeating cancer once and for all,” they said.
By including Pelotonia in their estate plans, CJ and Gina are now a part of the Pelotonia Legacy Society, a group of forward-thinking supporters who share a vision to provide for future generations of cancer patients and their families.
The Pelotonia Legacy Society allows you to leave a lasting impact that will continue to accelerate innovative cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Center (OSUCCC – James) beyond their lifetime.
Learn more about the various ways you can leave a planned gift to Pelotonia here.
If you have already included Pelotonia in your estate plans, please let us know by completing this form.
Have questions about leaving Pelotonia in your estate plans or other planned giving options? Contact Erika Walker, Philanthropy and Stewardship Manager, at ewalker@pelotonia.org.
