W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, the new CEO of Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) marked her inaugural Pelotonia Ride Weekend with both a personal milestone and a vivid introduction to the vibrant, purpose-driven community fueling cancer research.

At Opening Ceremony, she stood before tens of thousands, immersing herself in the energy that defines Pelotonia, and then joined the more than 2,700 participants riding the 24-mile route on Saturday. Her experience underscored the profound partnership between the community and the groundbreaking cancer research led by the OSUCCC – James. 

Dr. Rathmell spoke passionately about how critical Pelotonia’s support is for translating innovative science into real-world impact.

She emphasizes, “I can’t overstate how important the impact of Pelotonia’s support is on our cancer research. We do more innovative, more exciting and more powerful research because the community is behind us.”

These words reflect a core truth: while cutting-edge science is foundational to progress, it is the unwavering engagement, generosity and spirit of the Pelotonia community that helps fuel and accelerate breakthroughs at the OSUCCC – James. 

Having previously served as director of the National Cancer Institute, she found Ohio State distinctly and deeply aligned with her passion — a synergy of discovery, compassionate patient care and community connection. She highlighted how the OSUCCC – James is uniquely poised to lead cancer research, treatment and prevention, thanks to the combined talents of researchers, clinicians and an engaged community that rallies together around a common purpose. 

Dr. Rathmell described Pelotonia not simply as a fundraiser but as a movement with global reach. The people who join the ride — cancer survivors, families, scientists, caregivers, donors and volunteers — form a dynamic network whose shared commitment elevates the OSUCCC – James’ mission. This collective engagement shapes the research agenda itself, ensuring that it addresses real-world needs and fosters hope for all impacted by cancer. 

Dr. Rathmell rode alongside participants during Ride Weekend, experiencing first-hand what it means to connect with the people and the mission driving Pelotonia.

Reflecting after finishing her first ride, she says, “I am energized. This is a tremendous experience.” Her participation exemplified the unity and purpose that fuel the community.

“Choosing to ride in Pelotonia helps to see the power that there is in coming together around something as important as cancer.”

This shared journey between researchers, clinicians, patients and supporters is what propels the science and care forward. 

Beyond the event itself, Dr. Rathmell’s leadership vision hinges on deepening the connection between science and community. She believes that innovation thrives when informed by the stories and needs of those who face cancer. This approach not only shapes research priorities but also builds trust and hope in the broader community. Her goal is clear: to ensure research discoveries translate into accessible, effective care that improves outcomes for all. 

In her role, Dr. Rathmell also carries the responsibility of mentoring and building the next generation of cancer scientists and clinicians. She has spoken about the importance of guidance in navigating the complexities of medical and scientific careers and the value of nurturing diverse talent committed to the mission of reducing cancer’s toll. 

Her excitement about Ohio State’s cancer program is grounded in both its cutting-edge capabilities and its location at the cultural crossroads of rural, urban and diverse populations in Ohio. The OSUCCC – James is positioned to address disparities in cancer outcomes and develop prevention, detection and treatment that benefit broad communities. 

Dr. Rathmell envisions a future where cancer prevention is widespread, early detection is accessible and new treatments mitigate suffering. “Ultimately, it will be a world where people don’t fear cancer the way we do today,” she says.  

Dr. Rathmell’s first Ride Weekend embodied this spirit — standing shoulder to shoulder with riders and supporters, embracing the community and stepping into a leadership approach that blends scientific expertise with heartfelt commitment. Her arrival marks a new chapter for OSUCCC – James, one driven by innovation, collaboration and the unstoppable force of a community united in ending cancer. 

For years, Pelotonia’s High Rollers have exemplified generosity, passion, and a steadfast commitment to our mission. Traditionally, Pelotonia has marked their remarkable achievements with a special swag item as part of their annual Rider gift. Recently, however, thoughtful feedback was provided from the High Roller community: while these items were appreciated, they weren’t always necessary. In the spirit of listening to feedback and continually evolving our experience for the better, Pelotonia set out to reimagine the High Roller gift in a way that would powerfully reflect the values our High Rollers stand for. 

In honor of the 2024 High Rollers, Pelotonia chose to make a meaningful, community-driven impact rather than distribute physical gifts. Instead of a swag item, Pelotonia donated brand-new children’s bicycles on behalf of the entire 2024 High Roller community, ensuring that their legacy reaches far beyond the ride. 

These bikes provide an opportunity for local children in Central Ohio to more easily navigate their environment, experience the pure joy of cycling, and perhaps plant the seeds for a lifelong love of riding and philanthropy. Through the generosity of last year’s High Rollers, the simple act of giving has opened doors of opportunity and inspiration. 

All bicycles were gifted to children at Gladden Community House, a cornerstone organization in Franklinton whose mission is to strengthen the well-being of children, families, seniors, and neighborhoods in Central Ohio.

Gladden House interim CEO Matt Burns expressed how much of an impact the donations will have:

“The generous donation of the bikes to Gladden Community House has served to fill the gap in an incredible way for youth, K-12. Students are able to more easily transport themselves to and from Gladden, the local library, and local markets during the summer and will also serve to help many get to school this fall.”  

Pelotonia is excited to continue this heartfelt tradition for the 2025 High Rollers by distributing children’s bicycles at the Pelotonia Kids Linden ride.

As Eric Olsavsky, Pelotonia’s Vice President of Community Engagement & Partnerships, shared: “This shift is about making a lasting difference in honor of our High Rollers, whose unwavering spirit inspires everything we do.” 

Dennis Jacob’s journey with Pelotonia began not just as a cycling challenge, but as a deeply personal mission. In February 2016, Dennis underwent prostate cancer surgery. As he recovered, he set his sights on Pelotonia as both a goal and a symbol of hope.

“I used my first Pelotonia ride as motivation during my recovery,” Dennis said.

That same year, his boss and friend, Rick Germain, launched their company’s first Pelotonia team, offering teammates the choice between fundraising support or a gift card toward a proper road bike. Dennis, then only equipped with a hefty mountain bike, seized the opportunity for a new road bike, one that would become his steadfast companion, affectionately named “Buddy.” 

During the next six years, Dennis and Buddy logged an estimated 14,000 miles and participated in seven Pelotonia Ride Weekends, tackling at least 100 miles each year. The pair shared countless moments: cheers from the crowd, laughter with friends, and even a few tears on the toughest stretches. These rides were filled with reminders of why Pelotonia matters: Survivors, patients, and families affected by cancer.

“That bike healed me, kept me sane. It made it possible for me to ride for those who can’t, and the people who love them,” he said.  

Dennis, now a 10-Year Rider and Captain of the Germain Peloton, was gifted the bike of his dreams — a Trek Domane SLR6 — in 2023 by his brother and sister-in-law in memory of their daughter, Stevie Rae, a proud supporter of Dennis’ Pelotonia efforts. With the gifted road bike and a newly purchased gravel bike, space was getting tight, and Dennis faced a dilemma: what to do with Buddy? The answer came when he learned about the Pelotonia Bike Fleet. Although an emotional decision because Dennis had been through so much with Buddy, donating the bike meant it would continue its journey, helping others ride for a cure. 

For Dennis, giving Buddy to Pelotonia is more than a donation; it’s a continuation of a legacy of hope, healing, and community. Buddy was welcomed with excitement into a new home for the 2025 ride season! 

Katharine Collier, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Medical Oncology at The Ohio State University and member of the Translational Therapeutics Program at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), is the second recipient of the annual Mason Fisher Grant, funded entirely by Pelotonia dollars. 

“I am grateful for the support of Pelotonia and the Mason Fisher Grant in my mission to improve personalized and effective treatment for patients with bladder cancer,” Dr. Collier said. 

Dr. Collier, who works with bladder and urinary tract cancers, will use the grant to study how patients feel about and are affected by a new, easy genetic test that doesn’t require surgery. This test will be given to up to 500 people who have a type of bladder or urinary tract cancer called urothelial carcinoma. The research aims to learn more about the genetics of this cancer, which is one of the most common cancers in men. Right now, genetic testing isn’t widely recommended for this cancer because we don’t have enough information about the harmful gene changes and how they affect patients. 

Her study will explore how simple genetic testing affects patients and families, regardless of cancer stage, age, or family history, and will specifically evaluate associations between genetic mutations and treatment responses. She hopes this project will build a larger cohort to link genetic variants to outcomes and inspire clinical trials for patients with Lynch syndrome or DNA repair mutations, potentially using genetic testing to guide treatment. 

Additionally, the project will assess patient and family views on the risks, benefits and psychosocial effects of genetic testing. 

This grant extends Dr. Collier’s translational research focused on predictive biomarkers and resistance mechanisms to develop personalized therapies for urothelial carcinoma.  

A seven-year Pelotonia Rider, Dr. Collier took part in the 30-mile Sunday route during Ride Weekend 2025 with Team Buckeye – Full Steam Ahead. This combination of grant support and her Pelotonia involvement reflects both her scientific promise and dedication to the cancer research community.

Researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) have found a connection between two genetic mutations in a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) — a finding that could lead to new ways to treat this aggressive blood cancer.  

Published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the study — which involved mouse models of human AML as well as human AML patients — focused on mutations (abnormal changes) in two genes, TP53 and TET2, that cooperate to transform blood cells and play a key role in AML development. 

By examining groups of AML patients from the OSUCCC – James and MSK, the scientists saw that 10% of AML patients who have TP53 changes also have TET2 changes — an AML subtype that has very poor clinical outcomes.  

The researchers also found that both mice and humans with this subtype displayed high amounts of a molecule called CD155 on their cancer cells, and that using antibodies to block the CD155 molecule helped the immune system destroy the TP53/TET2 cells. This improved patient survival and pointed toward a possible new treatment strategy for patients with this AML subtype. 

Authors of the study include Pelotonia-funded researchers Rosa Lapalombella, PhD, co-leader of the Leukemia and Hematologic Malignancies (LHM) Program at the OSUCCC – James; Bradley Blaser, MD, PhD, a member of the LHM Program; and Omar Abdel-Wahab, MD, chair of the Molecular Pharmacology Program at MSK. The study’s first author was Pu Zhang, PhD, a former PhD student and Pelotonia Scholar in Hematology at Ohio State who is now a postdoctoral fellow at MSK. 

Read the full story on the OSUCCC – James news page here.

As a proud Linden resident, Adam Troy is committed to uplifting his community. Adam serves as the Executive Director of the Community of Caring Development Foundation, a nonprofit that invests in the Linden area of Columbus by providing affordable housing, meals, community grants, and academic scholarships. 

Adam has used his influence to strengthen the Pelotonia community as well. In addition to being a three-time Rider and Peloton Captain of Team LINDEN and advocate for the Wheels of Color Peloton, Adam is also a cancer Survivor, making Pelotonia’s mission of ending cancer deeply personal. He urges his Linden community to join him in raising funds for innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC – James.  

“Now more than ever the need for cancer research funding is vital,” Adam said, referencing an American Cancer Society journal on cancer statistics. “Black and African Americans have the highest mortality rate of any racial and ethnic group for all cancers combined and for most major cancers.” 

“It’s up to us as a community to continue to fund ground-breaking research in order to not slow progress toward our One Goal.” 

In just three years, Team LINDEN has raised an impressive total of nearly $50,000 for Pelotonia. 

Beyond his involvement with the Team LINDEN peloton, Adam also played a vital role in launching Pelotonia Kids Linden in 2024.  The neighborhood youth event aimed to promote children’s health and safety through cycling. It also encourages kids to focus on fitness while also fostering community as they came together to raise funds for innovative pediatric cancer research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and build a brighter future for Columbus youth. Adam brought together additional partners – including philanthropist Renee and Dwight Smith, founders of the Thanks Be to God Foundation, Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW), New Salem Baptist Church, We Are Linden, the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods and Public Safety, Saint Stephen’s Community House, and Columbus City Councilmember Emmanuel Remy – to make the Pelotonia Kids Linden event more impactful. Held in collaboration with the City of Columbus’ Public Safety Week, the inaugural event also featured food trucks, resource tables, and a children’s bike giveaway. 

“Events like this give us hope for a brighter tomorrow, laying the groundwork not only for philanthropy in our youth, but also to inspire them to be future community organizers. It’s teaching them the value of service above self,” Adam said.   

The next Pelotonia Kids Linden ride is Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Maloney Park in Linden. Scheduled in concert with We Are Linden’s 10th Annual Back to School Block Party and planned in collaboration with last year’s partners, this year’s event will include many of the same fun activities, giveaways, and more. Riders and volunteers are welcomed.  

“Anything is possible.” That mantra drives Matthew Marquardt, a third-year medical student at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, dedicated cancer researcher and Pelotonia Scholar, four-time Pelotonia Rider, and professional Ironman triathlete. 

Matthew serves as peloton team captain of the BSR–Spin Doctors under the Team Buckeye super peloton and will ride the 100-mile route during Ride Weekend 2025. As a four-year Rider and High Roller, he has made a significant commitment to innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC – James, raising nearly $20,000 during his years of Pelotonia participation. 

“I ride in Pelotonia because I want to be a part of creating a cancer-free world. This mission is deeply personal to me,” says Matthew, who honors loved ones affected by cancer by writing their initials on his bike — a symbolic reminder of why he rides. 

A 2021 graduate of Princeton University with a degree in chemistry (magna cum laude) and a minor in entrepreneurship, Matthew hopes to become a head and neck cancer surgeon. At the OSUCCC – James, he is involved in three projects that combine medical science, innovation and human performance. His first project, mentored by Carmen Quatman, MD, PhD, in the Department of Orthopaedics, explores the surgeon-athlete connection, examining how principles from sports science can improve surgical performance. His second project, in collaboration with Kyle VanKoevering, MD, in the Department of Otolaryngology and the Medical Modeling, Materials and Manufacturing (M4) Lab, uses 3D printing to enhance surgical outcomes for head and neck cancer patients. 

“Matthew blends the science and art of medicine with engineering and technology — the same mindset he applies to training and racing,” Dr. VanKoevering says. 

His third project, with David E. Cohn, MD, a gynecologic oncologist who serves as chief operating officer and chief medical officer at the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, explores the use of continuous glucose monitoring during chemotherapy to identify metabolic changes.

“He’s one of the most committed and motivated individuals I’ve ever worked with,” Dr. Cohn says. 

Matthew’s passion for performance extends far beyond the lab. After discovering triathlon in 2021, he quickly rose through the ranks. He won the overall age-group title at the 2022 IRONMAN World Championship in Kona and turned professional in 2023. That year, he earned three podium finishes and the fastest swim split at the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice. In 2024, he continued to excel with three more podiums and a bike course record at IRONMAN Lake Placid — securing a fourth place finish in the IRONMAN Pro Series. In April 2025, he clocked a sub eight-hour performance at IRONMAN Texas, solidifying his top-30 position in the global PTO World Rankings. 

“Triathlon is too hard of a sport to do only by yourself — and so is battling cancer,” he says. “There is incredible power in tackling challenges with others and having a purpose beyond oneself that can positively impact lives.” 

As he trains, researches and races, Matthew’s path remains clear: pursue purpose, push limits and help end cancer — one mile, one study and one ride at a time. 

In connection to funds raised by the Pelotonia community, Glen Barber, PhD, FRS, a globally distinguished immunologist, was recruited to join the OSUCCC – James’ Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO) as director of the Center for Innate Immunity and Inflammation. His groundbreaking work focuses on the body’s innate immune system, which is considered to be the first line of defense against diseases.  

A pivotal achievement of Dr. Barber’s team is the discovery of a signaling pathway controlled by a molecule called STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) that is activated by microbes such as viruses, bacteria and parasites. This finding has sparked efforts to design drugs that strengthen the body’s immune system by boosting the STING pathway, which is important for generating antitumor immunity. 

“Our goal is to design drugs that stimulate innate immunity and test them in new clinical trials,” Dr. Barber explains.  

Dr. Barber’s research also explores the development of vaccines that target viruses linked to cancers. Supported by the National Cancer Institute, these efforts strive to prevent virus-induced cancers through innovative immunological strategies.  

Beyond the lab, Dr. Barber is inspired by the community’s commitment to cancer research, exemplified by Pelotonia. He arrived at Ohio State just a day before Ride Weekend 2024, but he’d had his bicycle shipped from Florida to Columbus and joined the Pelotonia community on the 20-mile route the next day. 

He shares the OSUCCC – James’ vision of creating a cancer-free world. 

“I think it’s possible because there’s so much more to learn, and that means so much opportunity to design ways to combat malignancy,” he explains. “We’re still scratching the surface to a certain extent, but the more we learn through the investment of donors, grants and the cancer center itself, the more team science we can generate and the more trials we can offer. Never say never.” 

With a legacy of discovery and a vision for a cancer-free future, Dr. Barber continues to push the boundaries of immunology to develop transformative treatments. 

A powerful new cancer-fighting drug, developed entirely at The Ohio State University, is now entering its first human clinical trial, offering new hope for patients with advanced cancers who have exhausted other options. 

This potential breakthrough, known as HOSU-53 during testing and now JBZ-001, was discovered and advanced from lab to clinic by researchers at the OSUCCC – James. Unlike many academic discoveries that are licensed early, Ohio State carried this one through the entire development process — a rare feat — before partnering with a commercial sponsor for clinical testing. 

The oral drug works by blocking a key enzyme that cancer cells rely on to grow. “The goal is to starve the cancer while sparing healthy cells,” says Chad Bennett, PhD, one of the lead scientists behind the drug. The treatment has shown promise in lab models against a wide range of cancers, including non-Hodgkin lymphomas and solid tumors. 

This success story began with a small collaboration and grew into a large-scale, multi-year effort supported by teams across Ohio State. It was powered by critical philanthropic funding from partners like Pelotonia and foundations deeply committed to cancer research. 

Now, with a phase I trial open at the OSUCCC – James, this drug could make an immediate impact for patients, and it marks a milestone in Ohio State’s mission to bring lifesaving discoveries from the lab to the bedside. 

“This study has the potential to immediately help some patients for whom previous therapies have failed. This is the goal of clinical trials in medicine,” says Sebastian Biglione, PhD, PharmD, director of clinical and regulatory strategy for the Drug Development Institute.