Author: The Pelotonia Team
In the News
Pelotonia Promotes Doug Ulman to Vice Chair and Joe Apgar to CEO
| January 31, 2024
COLUMBUS, Ohio (January 31, 2024) – Following 15 years of continuous and increasing community support which has resulted in $283 million raised for cancer research at the OSUCCC-James at Ohio State and tens of thousands of participants, Pelotonia today announced a new leadership structure that will facilitate its next phase of significant growth.
Effective immediately, Doug Ulman will take on a new and expanded leadership role, serving as Vice Chair of the Board and Senior Advisor to current President Joe Apgar, who will become Pelotonia’s new CEO. Ulman will remain an actively engaged leader at Pelotonia, focusing on new partnerships and strategic initiatives designed to significantly increase the organization’s fundraising and impact. As CEO, Apgar will drive forward a vision to grow the organization’s impact and oversee all day-to-day aspects of Pelotonia.
“We are very excited about this new leadership structure and believe it sets us up for continued momentum and even greater collective impact on cancer research at The Ohio State University,” said Pelotonia Board Chair Bobby Schottenstein, who is also Chairman and CEO of M/I Homes, Inc.“Doug’s leadership as CEO over the last decade has been extraordinary; Doug has inspired the Pelotonia community and propelled growth of this grassroots movement. In becoming Vice Chair, Doug will provide greater focus on new partnerships and other strategic initiatives designed to further leverage the Pelotonia brand and grow fundraising,” Schottenstein added. “Joe has been a strong leader since he joined Pelotonia seven years ago. Joe is respected and admired by the Pelotonia community, and is deeply motivated by his personal experience as a cancer survivor.”
Ulman was named CEO of Pelotonia in 2014, after serving as President and CEO of Livestrong. During his tenure as CEO, Pelotonia raised $200 million for cancer research, launched the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology and opened the Pelotonia Research Center in Ohio State’s innovation district. Ulman’s professional journey has focused on revolutionizing philanthropy and advocating for those impacted by cancer, efforts he will continue to champion. In addition to his ongoing leadership at Pelotonia, Ulman will focus on civic and community leadership opportunities, including launching a new effort to support social entrepreneurs.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to serve the incredible Pelotonia community; I am excited to continue my service in a new and expanded role and I could not be more thrilled that Joe Apgar will be stepping in as our next CEO,” said Ulman.“Joe is a phenomenal leader; he cares so deeply about the experience of every member of this community and has big goals and a vision to match. As a cancer survivor and 13-year Pelotonia rider, Joe’s passion for our mission is unrivaled. I am most excited about Joe’s commitment to connecting the research impact to the community and to elevating Pelotonia’s experiences in innovative, exciting ways. As I continue to collaborate closely with Joe in my new role, I look forward to witnessing all that he and our entire Pelotonia team will achieve moving forward.”
During Apgar’s more than seven years of service to the organization, he has held various roles at Pelotonia, including Chief Operating Officer and most recently as President. Apgar has become a trusted leader within the Pelotonia community, serving as a key driver behind the introduction of new events and opportunities that have scaled fundraising. During Apgar’s leadership as President, Pelotonia successfully launched its inaugural Gravel Day Ride and celebrated its 15th anniversary Ride in 2023, which raised more than $25 million for cancer research.
Apgar joined Pelotonia after eight years at Rockbridge Capital, where he worked on the Capital Markets team and led strategic initiatives for the firm including the launch of RTRX, which has become a premier Columbus conference drawing attendees from around the country and has raised more than $7 million for Pelotonia since 2012. Apgar received a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Penn State University and has been recognized as an exemplary leader through inclusion in the Columbus Business First 40 Under 40 program, Columbus CEO Future 50 class, and 2022 cohort of Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program.
“I am grateful to the Board for their leadership and vision, and their confidence in me and our team as we keep pushing Pelotonia to new heights. Doug has been a friend and mentor since he recruited me to join Pelotonia in 2016. I look forward to our ongoing, powerful partnership as I become CEO,” said Apgar.“I’ve been a patient of The James since 2008, where I witnessed the start of Pelotonia as a cancer survivor and I continue to experience their world-class care firsthand. The Pelotonia community has so much momentum today, and I am more excited than ever to continue accelerating breakthroughs and discoveries at the OSUCCC-James for cancer patients around the world. I am humbled and honored for this opportunity.”
With support from the Board of Directors, Pelotonia has developed and implemented innovative and entrepreneurial programs that have raised millions of dollars for groundbreaking research including the launch of the Victoria’s Secret Global Fund for Women’s Cancers and a strategic partnership with M/I Homes, Inc., which has engaged thousands of associates across their 17 national markets.
100 percent of every dollar raised by Pelotonia participants directly supports cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, including the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology.
“Pelotonia has achieved what few initially thought was possible,” said OSUCCC Director and Pelotonia Board Member Raphael Pollock, MD, PhD.“From the renowned work of the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology to the recent opening of the Pelotonia Research Center, we continue to achieve results and accelerate discoveries at an exciting pace. Our collective work is only just beginning, and I am excited to witness the continued impact the Pelotonia community will have with this strong leadership structure in place.”
Registration for Pelotonia 2024 Ride Weekend and Gravel Day will open to participants on February 29.
To learn more about the impact of Pelotonia dollars, including the work of The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, visit pelotonia.org/impact and pelotonia.org/institute.
About Pelotonia
In 2023, Pelotonia celebrated 15 years of One Goal, accelerating funding for innovative cancer research, with its signature series of iconic and impactful events with cycling, entertainment, and volunteerism experiences. This year’s events included the Opening Ceremony and Ride Weekend in August and a new Gravel Day event in September. To date, the Pelotonia community has raised more than $283 million. With support from generous funding partners – 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 – Pelotonia directs 100 percent of every dollar raised by participants to cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, including the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology.
This year’s signature events will include Opening Ceremony on August 2, Ride Weekend on August 3-4 and Gravel Day on September 28, 2024. To learn more about Pelotonia, visit pelotonia.org.
Community Stories
2023 Pelotonia Awards
| December 11, 2023
Pelotonia Legacy Award: Michael Schoen
14 years ago, Michael Schoen rode in his first Pelotonia, raising nearly $60,000 for cancer research for the OSUCCC-James. Since that first Ride, Michael has continued to passionately share the Pelotonia mission with his family, friends, co-workers, and anyone who would listen and has consistently finished as a Top 5 fundraiser each year. In 2023, Michael became only the second person in Pelotonia history to cross the $1.1M lifetime funds raised for Pelotonia, a truly remarkable accomplishment and testament to his dedication to our collective One Goal!
Volunteer of the Year: Matthew Rausenberg
Matt is a 15-year Lead Volunteer who has led and developed the SAG program from day 1. He has recruited, trained, and led this team over the years from planning training sessions to providing on-site instruction, preparing vehicles and supplies, and receiving and dispatching all support requests. Beyond this, Matt does anything and everything needed to make Ride Weekend safe and successful. This year alone, he single-handedly swept significant portions of the route from fresh gravel and chip seal to make the route safe for Riders, organized additional variable message boards as needed across the route, and more. Matt has been instrumental in the planning for our inaugural Gravel Day event, driving routes to test radio coverage, creating a personnel & equipment plan to best access all areas of the remote routes, and assisting with route support and communications recommendations. Matt’s passion for Pelotonia is unmatched, as was evidenced by the best thank you message left at Pelotonia HQ after this year’s Ride Weekend. We couldn’t do it without him!
First-Year Rider Award
Christian Jeric, Adrenal Team Maria: Christian rallied his family and friends to create the Adrenal Team Maria in honor of his sister, Maria. Maria was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of cancer, Adrenocortical Carcinoma, at the young age of 25 in April of 2022. Through Christian’s leadership, the Peloton has raised more than $24,000 for innovative cancer research this year with 5 members, creating tremendous impact within the Pelotonia community!
Julia Tolloty, Team Granville Spokesman: Julia participated in her first Pelotonia ride this year in honor of her younger brother, Tristan Tolloty. Tristan was diagnosed with leukemia at 15 months old and lived cancer-free for 15 years. Due to the aggressive treatment at such a young age, he passed away in March of 2023. Julia’s passion for Pelotonia has been fueled by Tristian, and her impact has been remarkable. Julia is not only one of the top fundraising first-year Riders, she is the youngest fundraiser in the top 50 list at the age of 20 years old, raising more than $16,000 for cancer research!
Mary Hyatt Courage Award: John Heuer
John, known as Jack by his friends and family, first joined the Pelotonia community in 2020 after he was treated at the James for Sarcoma, a very rare form of cancer. Through his journey, John not only courageously fought to be cancer-free, but has also inspired countless community members to join him in his efforts.
John leads Team Jack, which is made up of friends and family from across the country. His leadership over the past three years has resulted in more than $192,000 raised by the Peloton. John has been a fierce advocate in the Pelotonia community by sharing his cancer journey at several events to inspire others to join us in our movement, and he has had a tremendous impact on the Pelotonia mission.
Researcher of the Year Award: AK Eisfeld, MD
Dr. Ann-Kathrin Eisfeld is a tenure-track Assistant Professor and physician-scientist whose research focuses on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) genetics, and how age-, gender- and race-associated differences uniquely impact cancer patients. Dr. Eisfeld originally received Pelotonia funding in 2011 as a Post-Doctorate Pelotonia Scholar and has gone onto receive four Pelotonia Idea Grants to support her research, as well as many other prestigious international cancer research awards.
Her diligent mentorship and collaboration is evident throughout the OSUCCC-James, including with her undergraduate mentee Isaiah Boateng, who received a Pelotonia Scholar Award in 2022! Dr. Eisfeld, or AK as her colleagues often call her, serves as director of the Clara D. Bloomfield Center for Leukemia Outcomes Research at The Ohio State University, which leads large-scale AML correlative studies directed at discovering associations between patient outcomes, genetic/genomic features, and clinical/demographic characteristics. The Center is dedicated to the long-term friend and mentor of AK and countless Leukemia researchers and clinicians, Clara Bloomfield, and was established in 2020 to carry on her legacy. She is a steadfast champion of Pelotonia throughout the community, and a respected mentor, colleague, and physician. Learn more about AK’s research here!
In the News | Research Stories
15 Years of Impact: The 2023 Impact Report
| November 29, 2023
To the incredible Pelotonia community,
Thank you for an amazing first fifteen years of the Pelotonia movement.
We are honored to share the 2023 Pelotonia Annual Report — 15 Years of Impact with you today.
This report summarizes not only the impact of the Pelotonia community but also the impact of your individual efforts. Your passion and commitment to our shared One Goal has fueled progress, driven breakthroughs, and saved lives.
Whether you have participated in Pelotonia once or have ridden every mile of every ride, this report reflects your selfless dedication to ending cancer.
Whether you have volunteered at a rest stop or behind the scenes bringing Ride Weekend to life, this report is only possible because of your heroic efforts.
Whether you have donated to support a friend, cheered on riders along the Pelotonia route, attended a community event, or bought Pelotonia merchandise, this report highlights what has been made possible as a result of your generosity.
Your time, talent, and treasure have created a massive impact fueling transformational cancer research and you represent what is possible when we give 100% and come together as a community.
Please enjoy learning more about the results of your leadership and we hope you will share this with those who have supported your participation.
One Goal,
Doug Ulman, Chief Executive Officer
Joe Apgar, President
In the News
Pelotonia Raises More Than $25 million for cancer research During 15th Year
| November 12, 2023
COLUMBUS, OH (November 12, 2023) – The Pelotonia community raised $25,006,939 in 2023, exceeding 2022’s fundraising total by 15 percent and bringing all-time funds raised to $283,661,867 million in support of cancer research throughout its 15 years. With the support of generous funding partners that galvanize support for peer-to-peer fundraising, Pelotonia directs 100 percent of every participant-raised dollar to The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James).
“For 15 years, the Pelotonia community has fueled leading-edge cancer research across every major type of cancer and at every stage of patient care from screening and early diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship.” said Joe Apgar, president of Pelotonia. “The community’s exceptional fundraising efforts this year demonstrate Pelotonia’s unwavering support of innovative and life-saving cancer research that is the driving force behind incredible advancements in patient outcomes.”
This year, more than 11,000 Riders, Volunteers, and Challengers participated in Pelotonia 2023. As part of its milestone year, Pelotonia:
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Celebrated the naming and opening of the new Pelotonia Research Center in honor of the community’s commitment,
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Revamped Ride Weekend to feature all-new routes including returns to fan-favorite communities and roads from years past,
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Commemorated Opening Ceremony with Emmy award-winning, multi-platinum artist Andy Grammer, who has a personal connection to Pelotonia’s One Goal after losing his mother to breast cancer,
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Expanded its event lineup with a new Gravel Day event taking place on a picture-perfect early fall day in Nelsonville, Ohio
“The funds raised by the Pelotonia community are crucial momentum builders in the work to advance cancer research,” said Raphael Pollock, MD, PhD, director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Many researchers come to Ohio State because of Pelotonia funding. The investment Pelotonia makes in their ideas catapults early efforts into larger, federal grants that grow the scope and impact of research to ultimately improve patient outcomes and save lives.”
Next year’s signature events will include Opening Ceremony on August 2, Ride Weekend on August 3-4 and Gravel Day on September 28, 2024. Registration for Pelotonia 2024 events will open Februrary 29, 2024.
To learn more about the impact of Pelotonia dollars, including the work of The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, visit pelotonia.org/impact and pelotonia.org/institute.
About Pelotonia
In 2023, Pelotonia celebrates 15 years of One Goal, accelerating funding for innovative cancer research, with its signature series of iconic and impactful events with cycling, entertainment, and volunteerism experiences. This year’s events included the iconic Opening Ceremony and Ride Weekend in August and a new Gravel Day event in September. To date, the Pelotonia community has raised more than $283 million. With support from generous funding partners – 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 – Pelotonia directs 100 percent of every dollar raised by participants to cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, including the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology. For more information, visit pelotonia.org.
Community Stories
Like a Kid Again: Eric Tippett’s Story
| September 25, 2023
When Eric Tippett started his Pelotonia journey fifteen years ago, he wasn’t a seasoned cyclist. In fact, he’d just bought his first bike. But that didn’t stop him from riding 50 miles for a cause he believed in – cancer research. He got his first taste of all that gravel riding offered just four years later, completing the ride on the same bike he’d ridden in at the very first Pelotonia. He was hooked.
“The whole thing was just fun.” he says, “Somebody even brought a drum set out to play for the riders. I had a blast!”
Since his first gravel ride, Eric has found a deep love for the sport.
“The terrain challenges you in different ways,” he explains. “The scenery and the spirit of gravel just fits with my style as a cyclist.”
He’s spent years forming friendships, honing his cycling skills, and exploring beautiful Ohio backroads.
And his love for Pelotonia has continued to grow.
“I always say Pelotonia is the second best day of the year, right behind Christmas. The community is incredible and I love that every single participant really gets to feel like a hero for a day.”
In late 2022, Eric heard that Pelotonia was considering hosting a gravel ride. He reached out right away. “I emailed the Pelotonia email address and heard back from Joe almost immediately. I said ‘I want to be a part of this’ and he asked me to join the community advisory committee.”
For Eric, this opportunity was a dream come true. He’s had the opportunity to work alongside a group of gravel cyclists, bike experts, and long-time Pelotonia participants sharing their expertise with the Pelotonia team, all in the hope that Gravel Day can become as much of a mainstay for gravel cyclists as Ride Weekend is for road riders.
“I’m a map nerd, so working with Nick Tepe to design the routes was a lot of fun,” he said, “and it’s been cool to share some of my passion and my knowledge with the Pelotonia team.”
And he feels the Gravel Day routes have shaped up nicely. “The scenery is absolutely the best part. The routes are challenging, but the views are worth it. You get to the top of a climb and look around and think ‘wow’. It’s real, authentic, rural Ohio that many people don’t even know exists.”
Gravel Day Riders will see Eric taking on the 50+ mile route and he’s looking forward to crossing the finish line at another inaugural Pelotonia ride — on a much better bike this time.
“I love gravel riding because it makes you feel like a kid again.” he says. “I’m excited for my own kids to ride alongside me at a Pelotonia event someday.”
In the News
Pelotonia Launches New Gravel Day Ride Event on September 30
| September 15, 2023
COLUMBUS, OH (September 15, 2023) – Pelotonia will host its inaugural Gravel Day on September 30, bringing a new experience to this year’s iconic series of events. Gravel Day, which introduces a more adventurous style of cycling to Pelotonia’s portfolio of ride events, will take place in Nelsonville, Ohio. While this event will be the first-of-its-kind for the Pelotonia community, the effort to raise money for innovative and life-saving cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) remains the same.
“We are awed by the determination and impact the Pelotonia community continues to make, especially in our 15thyear. Gravel Day is an exciting way to extend the Pelotonia experience to new participants and engage the existing community in a new event,” said Joe Apgar, president of Pelotonia. “The community’s fundraising efforts have been incredibly transformational for the future of cancer research, screening and early diagnosis, and Gravel Day is one more way to drive progress toward our One Goal.”
Gravel Day Riders will take on looped routes from a start and finish line at Snow Fork Event Center, showcasing Ohio’s picturesque Southeastern landscape. The 20+, 30+ and 50+ routes feature unpaved roads with optional extensions along a portion of the Baileys Trail System, part of the Appalachian foothills. Additional route details are available at pelotonia.org/gravel-day.
“I’ve been gravel riding for 11 years, and helping to design this year’s course with Pelotonia has been an incredible opportunity to bring together a world-class fundraising experience with a new, exhilarating style of riding,” said Eric Tippett, 15-year Pelotonia participant and Gravel Day Rider. “The courses are challenging — and fun — in all the best ways while showcasing Ohio’s ridgetops and vistas in ways Pelotonia Riders have never seen before. I’m beyond thrilled to help grow Pelotonia’s community and impact with Gravel Day.”
Riders will depart from the start line at 9:30 a.m. and finish between 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. depending on the route distance. Volunteer and Rider registration is available at pelotonia.org/register. Spectators and guests are encouraged to join the send-off and finish line celebrations on Saturday and should arrive prior to 9:00 a.m. or after 10:30 a.m. Directional signage and designated guest parking areas will be available.
Now in its 15th year, the Pelotonia community has raised more than $275 million for cancer research. Thanks to the ongoing support of generous funding partners, 100 percent of every dollar raised by participants supports ground-breaking cancer research at OSUCCC – James, including The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology. To learn more about the impact of Pelotonia dollars, visit pelotonia.org/impact. Donations will be accepted through October 15 at pelotonia.org.
In the News
Pelotonia’s 2023 Ride Weekend Kicks Off on August 4
| July 23, 2023
COLUMBUS, OH (July 25, 2023) – Pelotonia will host its annual Ride Weekend on August 5-6, 2023, with Opening Ceremony kicking off the experience on August 4. Now in its 15th year, Pelotonia has raised more than $258 million for cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), and will continue its momentum with this year’s full slate of events.
“The Pelotonia community continues to make a remarkable impact on the world of cancer research, screening and early diagnosis,” said Joe Apgar, president of Pelotonia.“As we move into our 15th Ride Weekend — a momentous milestone for a grassroots organization — we’re eager to bring the community together for another incredible year of transformational impact.”
Thanks to the ongoing support of funding partners, 100 percent of every dollar raised by participants supports 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.
“The funds raised by the Pelotonia community go directly to innovative cancer research and are crucial in driving continued breakthroughs in cancer care, research and treatment for patients in Central Ohio and beyond,” said Raphael Pollock, MD, PhD, director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.“Pelotonia dollars support critical efforts including work underway at the Pelotonia Institute of Immuno-Oncology. Immuno-oncology is quickly becoming a fourth standard form of cancer care, in addition to surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, and vital to bringing specialized treatment to each individual’s unique cancer diagnosis.”
Beginning on August 5, more than 6,500 Riders will tackle all-new routes ranging from 24 to 184 miles, including returns to fan-favorite communities and roads from years past. Ride Weekend is made possible by the efforts of 3,000 Volunteers who provide mechanical support, make countless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and so much more. Additional route details are available at pelotonia.org/ride-weekend.
Ahead of this year’s Ride Weekend, which is expected to be the most vibrant experience to date, Pelotonia’s Opening Ceremony will take place at McFerson Commons and North Bank Park in the Arena District on Friday, August 4 from 3 – 8 p.m. Pelotonia is thrilled to announce that Emmy award-winning, multi-platinum artist Andy Grammer, known for inspiring fans around the world with hits including “Honey, I’m Good.” and “Keep Your Head Up,” will perform as the headliner for the community celebration. Opening Ceremony will also feature musical performances curated by Music Columbus — central Ohio’s own alt-rock duo The Orphan The Poet and the Latin Fever All Stars, an international group of Columbus-based talent coming from the Caribbean and Latin American countries. The event will also include meaningful survivorship stories, food and drink offerings, a kids zone, vendors and more! All registered Riders, as well as Challengers and Volunteers who have raised $1,250 by August 4th will receive two free tickets.
Spectators are encouraged to cheer on Riders on both Saturday and Sunday. Learn more about spectating and view route maps at pelotonia.org/cheer. For those interested in riding or volunteering with Pelotonia, registration is still available at pelotonia.org/register. Donations will also be accepted through October 15 at pelotonia.org. For more information on participating and to learn about the impact of Pelotonia dollars, please visit pelotonia.org.
In the News
Pelotonia Welcomes M/I Homes and Pharmavite as New Funding Partners; Diamond Hill Renews Partnership Support
| June 6, 2023
COLUMBUS, OH (June 6, 2023) – Pelotonia today announced new funding partnerships with M/I Homes and Pharmavite, as well as the renewal of its funding partnership with Diamond Hill. Pelotonia’s generous funding partners provide operational support, allowing the organization to donate 100 percent of every participant-raised dollar to innovative cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James).
“The Pelotonia community is so grateful for the funding partners that support our mission to accelerate cancer research,” said Joe Apgar, Pelotonia president. “Because of partners like M/I Homes, Diamond Hill and Pharmavite, 100 percent of funds raised by participants are furthering impressive strides at the OSUCCC – James in cancer detection, prevention and treatment that will one day result in a world that is cancer free.”
This year, M/I Homes is expanding its long-term relationship with Pelotonia by becoming a funding partner. M/I Homes has raised more than $4.5 million for cancer research over its 10 years of participation. In 2022, M/I Homes took its support for Pelotonia national by establishing Pelotonia Benefit Homes in 14 markets across the U.S. and donating the net proceeds – to date, over $2.5 million – to Pelotonia. A passionate advocate for Pelotonia’s mission, M/I Homes Chairman and CEO Robert H. Schottenstein was named Chair of the Pelotonia Board of Directors in early 2023.
Pharmavite, the maker of Nature Made vitamins and supplements, is expanding into Central Ohio with a new 225,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in New Albany, expected to open in 2024. A pioneer in the health and wellness industry, Pharmavite has already begun recruiting employee participants from across the country to join its team and support the Pelotonia mission.
Diamond Hill will extend its commitment as a funding partner that began in 2018. In addition to its funding partner commitment, the company’s participants have raised more than $500,000 since 2010 to support groundbreaking cancer research over 14 years.
Pelotonia’s current funding partners — M/I Homes, Pharmavite, Diamond Hill, American Electric Power Foundation, Bath and Body Works, Huntington National Bank, Peggy & Richard Santulli, Victoria’s Secret, Safelite, Cardinal Health and Nationwide Insurance — help make Pelotonia’s full slate of incredible events possible, including Opening Ceremony on August 4, Ride Weekend on August 5-6, and the inaugural Gravel Day on September 30. Registration for Pelotonia 2023 is now open at pelotonia.org/register. To learn more about the impact of Pelotonia dollars, including the work of The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, visit pelotonia.org/impact and pelotonia.org/institute.
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About Pelotonia
In 2023, Pelotonia celebrates 15 years of One Goal, accelerating funding for innovative cancer research, as it hosts its signature series of iconic and impactful events with cycling, entertainment, and volunteerism experiences. This year’s events include the iconic Opening Ceremony and Ride Weekend in August, a new Gravel Day event in September, and the Impact Celebration in November. To date, the Pelotonia community has raised more than $258 million. With support from generous funding partners – 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 – Pelotonia directs 100 percent of every dollar raised by participants to cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, including the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology. For more information, visit pelotonia.org.
In the News
Ohio State opens Pelotonia Research Center
| May 16, 2023
The Ohio State University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the new Pelotonia Research Center Monday led by university leaders, researchers, representatives from Pelotonia and Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther.
The Pelotonia Research Center is the first new building to open at Carmenton, Ohio State’s innovation district. This five-story, 305,000-square-foot laboratory building is equipped with new spaces, technologies and resources needed for researchers to work across disciplines to accelerate new discoveries.
The space is named in recognition of Pelotonia’s collaboration with Ohio State. Since 2008, Pelotonia participants have raised more than $260 million for cancer research at Ohio State.
“The name of the Pelotonia Research Center recognizes this partnership. With their grassroots movement as inspiration, this facility will help unleash the potential of all of our researchers to find bold solutions to the biggest health challenges of our time,” said Hiroyuki Fujita, chair of the Board of Trustees.“Ohio State researchers working here will find new ways to look at cancer, heart disease, mental illness, aging and more. And instead of addressing different aspects of these challenges in different places across campus, the facility will allow them to physically come together in one place.”
Innovation at the Pelotonia Research Center will focus on areas including cancer, gene- and cell-based therapies, cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine, neurological disease, microbiome, food systems and health, artificial intelligence, sensory biology, and social and environmental determinants of health.
“It’s great to be back here at Carmenton to celebrate the opening chapter of an exciting new facility that will transform lives and serve as a beacon of hope throughout Columbus and beyond,” Ginther said. “In this building, the research and the great transformational developments are going to save lives, and make families and neighborhoods stronger. All of this strengthens and widens the scope of prosperity to include all our neighbors. That is the Columbus Way.”
“Today’s ceremony highlights and is a tangible reminder of Ohio State’s land-grant mission dedicated to creating and discovering knowledge to improve the well-being of our local, state, regional and national communities,” said Peter Mohler, interim executive vice president for research, innovation and knowledge. “The Pelotonia Research Center embodies that mission and is dedicated to research and innovation with a focus on solutions.”
The center will also include a second home for the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, dedicated to studying the immune system’s role in fighting cancer, and the Center for Cancer Engineering.
The Pelotonia Research Center’s location in Carmenton will be a benefit to collaborative, curiosity-driven and solutions-oriented research. Carmenton is connected to Ohio State’s academic and medical campuses and is in the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the Midwest.
“If you’re one of the 40,000 people who has participated in Pelotonia or one of the more than 700,000 donors who have ever contributed to our shared vision over the last 14 years, this building is named in your honor and a testament to your tireless commitment and advocacy,” said Doug Ulman, CEO of Pelotonia.“And this is so much more than just a building. It’s a beacon of hope. Hope for each and every person who hears those three dreaded words: ‘You have cancer.’ Hope for every scientist and clinician here at The Ohio State University who seeks to understand this disease in order to treat it more successfully in the future.”
Amy Moore, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, will lead a laboratory in the new research center and said it will boost collaboration and lead to better outcomes for patients.
“In my laboratory, I get to study how we can improve nerve growth, what we can apply to improve pain treatment in patients who may have devastating, debilitating outcomes,” she said.“It is in this laboratory that we get to innovate and be on the field of what’s going to be the next great thing for our patients.”
The new research space is where experts will connect to understand some of the biggest questions facing health and well-being:
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Engineers, biologists, material scientists and physicians will work together to find new solutions for cancer.
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Data scientists, biologists and engineers will explore ways to use artificial intelligence for better health outcomes.
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Oncologists, immunologists, data scientists and biologists will look to harness the power of the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
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Pharmacists, neuroscientists, engineers and veterinary researchers will discover how next-generation gene therapy research can help address disease.
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Psychiatrists, psychologists and neurologists will better understand how to prevent, diagnose and treat mental illnesses.
The opening continues the momentum in bringing Carmenton, the region’s innovation district, from vision to reality.
The Energy Advancement and Innovation Center, a space for Ohio State researchers, students, local entrepreneurs and industry experts to partner on the next generation of renewable energy, artificial intelligence and smart systems, is expected to open in the fall. And The James Outpatient Care, which will offer comprehensive cancer care from diagnosis to treatment through survivorship and expand patients’ access to clinical trials, is also expected to open in the summer.
Community Stories
Honoring Mason Fisher’s Giving Spirit
| May 5, 2023
Mason Fisher’s giving spirit touched countless people throughout his life, including his friend and classmate Matthew Marquardt — a two-time Pelotonia Rider and professional triathlete — who shares Mason’s personal passion for helping cancer patients. This year, Matthew will ride in Pelotonia in memory of his friend Mason, who he says, “pushed us to do better things than we’ve ever done before.”
To honor Mason’s memory and legacy, Matthew, Mason’s family, and Castelli Cycling have collaborated on a custom-designed cycling sun sleeve (worn from wrist to bicep) featuring symbols of Mason’s many loves – God, family, friends, his country, the Buckeyes, the Spin Doctors, and, of course, cancer research.
The Pelotonia community is invited to purchase and wear this custom sun sleeve in recognition of Mason Fisher and his dedication to helping others. Sun sleeves will be ready prior to Ride Weekend and Gravel Day so that the community can wear them at these events in a show of support and love.
All proceeds from the sleeve will support the fundraising efforts of Team BSR-Spin Doctors, a Peloton of OSU College of Medicine students, as they give back by participating in Pelotonia’s 15th year.
Create a login or use your existing Castelli account to view the order page. Supporters can purchase one unisex sleeve for $20 or two for $35. Orders can be picked up in person in early August.
Emails with exact pickup dates and locations will be sent after orders arrive.
“Everyone just really wants to honor Mason in any way possible,” Matthew says.
