Every summer, the Pelotonia community unites around One Goal. Among those who make this mission possible, Ariel Corporation stands out, not only as a Funding Partner, but as a company that truly embodies what it means to show up with purpose. 

In 2025, Ariel rallied more than 100 Volunteers at the Kenyon College finish line. To say the Pelotonia experience in Knox County would not have been the same without Ariel’s Volunteer presence would be an understatement. This location has traditionally been one of the hardest to staff due to its distance from Columbus, yet Ariel’s local community turned that challenge into a triumph.  

Starting before sunrise and staying through teardown, the Ariel Volunteers enthusiastically greeted Riders as they crossed the finish line with cheers, water, and heartfelt encouragement. They also helped staff first aid and hydration stations, direct cyclists at intersections, and manage vehicle and pedestrian traffic. 

Founded in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Ariel Corporation is a family-owned company specializing in gas compressors, led by CEO Alex Wright. The Wright family’s connection to Pelotonia is deeply personal. After the loss of Alex’s brother, Hunter Wright, to colon cancer in 2021, Ariel became a Pelotonia Funding Partner in 2024. The company also committed a generous two-year donation (2024–2025) to colorectal cancer research led by Richard Fishel, PhD, at the OSUCCC – James. In 2025, the family endured another profound loss with the passing of Karen Wright, Ariel’s former CEO and Chairman, to cancer. 

“Ariel shows up for Pelotonia because supporting this mission is personal for our people and deeply connected to who we are as a company,” Alex Wright said. “When our community needs us, we believe in being there, fully, humbly, and together.” 

With their first official Peloton launched in 2025, Ariel’s Volunteers and Riders embodied Pelotonia’s spirit. Their generosity, enthusiasm, and deep-rooted community pride demonstrate that Pelotonia’s success isn’t measured by miles ridden or dollars raised, but in the people who believe in a world without cancer and take action to make it a reality. 

This article appeared in the Fall 2025 issue of the Pelotonia Insider, which can be found here.

MELE DEFY Charity Golf Tournament continues to raise money for cancer research in her memory 

Wendy Chioji lived her life with boldness, joy, and purpose, leaving a legacy that has continued to inspire others after her passing in 2019. A dedicated Rider from 2015 to 2019, Wendy championed Pelotonia’s mission with the same passion she brought to every part of her life. Whether on a bike, in a newsroom, or atop a mountain, she inspired everyone she met to defy the limits before them. 

An Emmy Award–winning journalist, endurance athlete, and advocate for others, Wendy spent more than 25 years anchoring WESH 2 News in Orlando, becoming one of the region’s most trusted and beloved voices.  

Wendy’s connection to cancer began in 2001, when she was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer. Throughout chemotherapy and recovery, she remained remarkably active, continuing to run, bike, and race triathlons. Her transparency about her cancer journey and determination inspired viewers across Florida and beyond.  

After completing treatment and being cancer-free, she left the news business a few years later to pursue her passions for travel, fitness, and adventure, eventually moving to Park City, Utah. However, in 2014, she received a second diagnosis: thymic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. True to form, she faced it with optimism and grit, undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and later participating in clinical trials, including immunotherapy treatments at the National Institutes of Health. During this time, Wendy sought counsel and advice from Sameek Roychowdhury, MD, PhD, at the OSUCCC – James, as she explored potential therapy options, a connection that would later come full circle through her family’s continued support of his research. 

Still, Wendy refused to let cancer define her. She climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro (shown in photo on the right) and Mt. Fuji, completed IRONMAN triathlons, and traveled to all 50 states and seven continents. Pelotonia Vice Chair Doug Ulman climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with Wendy while she was in treatment, calling the experience incredibly special and a testament to her remarkable strength and determination. And every summer from 2015 to 2019, she returned to Ohio to ride in Pelotonia, raising funds for the cancer research that gave her and others more time. Her family proudly followed in her footsteps; her niece and sister-in-law have also ridden in Pelotonia, and other family members have come to Ride Weekend as enthusiastic supporters.  

When Wendy passed away in 2019, her impact deepened. She left a generous estate gift to Pelotonia, the organization’s first, ensuring that her passion for discovery and hope would continue fueling the fight against cancer. 

Wendy’s gift led to the creation of the Pelotonia Legacy Society, inspiring others to consider meaningful, lasting contributions through estate and planned giving. Her generosity continues to impact the Pelotonia community long after her lifetime. 

The MELE DEFY Charity Golf Tournament 

Wendy’s family continues her legacy through the MELE DEFY Charity Golf Tournament. Hosted by MELE Associates, Inc. under the leadership of her father, CEO Mel Chiogioji, and her brother, President Al Chiogioji, the event embodies her mantra: DEFY. MELE covers all event costs, ensuring that 100% of proceeds directly benefit Pelotonia. 

The inaugural 2024 tournament raised more than $70,000. This year’s total reached $105,000, supporting groundbreaking cancer research by Dr. Roychowdhury. Combined with Wendy’s legacy gift, these funds have advanced a first-ever nationwide, decentralized clinical trial, which allows patients across the country to participate from their own hometowns, removing barriers to access. 

“I am so grateful to be part of Wendy Chioji’s journey. Her spirit is driving our cancer research,” shared Dr. Roychowdhury, who attended this year’s tournament to speak about how the funds are advancing his work. ”Wendy’s mantras of ‘DEFY’ and to ‘Live Fearlessly’ inspire our research team each day to be ambitious and legendary in our goals. This would not be possible without the funding support from her family and partners for this special golf outing. I am moved to know that Wendy’s impact will have nationwide impact in every zip code through a novel decentralized clinical trial approach.” 

The tournament is as celebratory as it is impactful. Participants gather to raise funds and remember Wendy’s infectious energy and zest for life. 

“We put together the DEFY golf tournament to honor my sister and her incredible life,” said Alan Chiogioji. “Throughout her fight with cancer, raising funds and awareness of cancer research was always a priority for her. We thought it appropriate to continue to raise funds for Pelotonia, an organization she loved, and to share her story. I know she is smiling down at us and encouraging us to ‘Live Fearlessly’.” 

Wendy Chioji’s story continues inspiring those who knew her and many who didn’t. Through her extraordinary generosity and the ongoing efforts of her family and the Pelotonia community, her mantra lives on: DEFY fear. DEFY limits. DEFY cancer. 

For more information on the planned giving, please visit our Pelotonia Legacy Society page.

This article appeared in the Fall 2025 issue of the Pelotonia Insider, which can be found here.

Beyond riding or volunteering, Pelotonia supporters can fundraise in a uniquely personal way by becoming Challengers. This program lets participants design up to five custom goals with a minimum fundraising commitment of $100. Challengers participate from anywhere in the world, and 100% of donations raised go directly to innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC – James. We’re excited to share two inspiring stories of Challengers below. 

Project Grit

Inspired by the Backyard Ultra movement, Ryan Willis meticulously planned a running relay race from Cincinnati to Cleveland. He then recruited five friends to join him on this journey, each committing to tackle approximately 52 to 56 miles. 

All six teammates — Ryan, Joe Sanda, Grant Burks, Liam Bott, Cameron Balla, and Joel Craig — grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and shared personal connections to cancer. To give their effort greater meaning, they decided to fundraise for Pelotonia. They named the effort Project Grit, reflecting the determination, teamwork, and perseverance needed not only for their run but also for the fight against cancer. 

On May 2, 2025, the group set out across Ohio. Each runner covered roughly three miles at a time while the others rested, refueled, or stretched in an RV driven by friends and family. The RV then met the runner at the next exchange point, where teammates switched shifts and the relay continued north. Despite battling rain, the dark, and exhaustion, they stayed motivated and finished the 320-mile trek — jumping into Lake Erie just over 49 hours after leaving the Ohio River. Family and friends gathered at the finish to celebrate their remarkable achievement. 

The team raised more than $16,000 for Pelotonia. Ryan is considering another run next year, hoping to expand the group and inspire even more support for cancer research. 

Hi-Impact Program

Eight years ago, Rockbridge, a hospitality-centered investment firm, set out to engage its hotels in Pelotonia fundraising, and what began as a small idea has grown into a nationwide movement. The effort launched in 2018 as Make an Impact, with 14 hotels raising $19,000. Rebranded in 2021 as the HI-Impact Challenge (“HI” as an acronym for hospitality industry), it now unites more than 50 hotel and restaurant teams across the country to raise money for cancer research and has officially surpassed $1 million in total contributions. 

Each year, participating properties find creative ways to give back, from jeans-for-donations Fridays and yoga-and-mimosa classes to drag brunches and signature cocktails like the “Pelotonia Margarita.” Some hotel partners even collaborate with distributors to donate proceeds from beer or wine sales, demonstrating that small efforts multiplied across many teams can make a massive difference. 

The program also celebrates the people behind the effort through the HI-Impact Heisman award, which honors unsung heroes in hospitality. The award finalists receive an all-expenses-paid trip to RTRX, an immersive leadership gathering that unites business leaders from across the country to spark ideas, connection, and action in support of cancer research through Pelotonia. This year’s winner, Debra from Alabama, was honored for her remarkable spirit of gratitude and generosity. 

With more than $350,000 raised in 2025, HI-Impact proves the hospitality industry’s power to create lasting change, one act of generosity at a time. 

This article appeared in the Fall 2025 issue of the Pelotonia Insider, which can be found here.

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 Courage 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.  

The second of our two Mary Hyatt Courage Awards in 2025 goes to Brandon Rader. 

At just 15 years old, Brandon has already demonstrated a lifetime of courage. Diagnosed with cancer at the end of fifth grade, he spent months enduring treatment instead of enjoying the carefree moments of childhood. Through surgeries, hospital stays, and recovery, Brandon never gave up. His strength and optimism carried him and his family through the most difficult times. 

Now three years cancer-free, Brandon has transformed his experience into advocacy. He joined Pelotonia as a Rider to help ensure that fewer families face what his did. After completing his 30 miles in 2024 as his first Pelotonia ride, he set his sights higher and, alongside his dad, conquered the 100-mile route in 2025.  

A High Roller and member of Team Bath & Body Works, Brandon raised more than $5,800 in 2025 and continues to inspire all who meet him. His courage is matched only by his generosity of spirit.  

Congratulations to Brandon Rader on receiving the 2025 Mary Hyatt Courage Award! 

The 2025 Pelotonia Awards winners were announced and celebrated at Night of Impact on November 18th. If you missed the event, you can watch the program on YouTube here. 

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 Courage 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.  

One of our two Mary Hyatt Courage Awards in 2025 goes to Gordon Hecker. 

Gordon’s story is one of resilience, optimism, and unwavering dedication. Just days before Pelotonia 2024, he discovered a lump that led to a rare cancer diagnosis, followed by surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The months that followed tested his endurance and faith, but through every challenge, Gordon remained deeply connected to the Pelotonia community. He continued to lead and inspire others — showing up for teammates, sharing his journey, and reminding everyone that the mission to end cancer is personal and powerful. 

Now in remission, Gordon rides with Team Bexley as an eight-year Rider and High Roller, having raised more than $44,000 to date. His courage has inspired Riders as far away as Israel to join Pelotonia and believe in the movement’s impact. In 2025, he rode the first 25 miles of the 100-mile route before having to stop as his immune system crashed. Two weeks later, he completed the final 75 miles — proof that determination and heart can carry us through even the hardest roads. 

Gordon’s perseverance is a beacon of hope for all who face cancer, reminding us that courage shines brightest when shared. 

Congratulations to Gordon Hecker on receiving the 2025 Mary Hyatt Courage Award! 

The 2025 Pelotonia Awards winners were announced and celebrated at Night of Impact on November 18th. If you missed the event, you can watch the program on YouTube here. 

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 Community of the Year award will recognize a local community that has gone above and beyond in its support of Pelotonia. 

2025 Community of the Year Award winner: Village of Granville. 

The Village of Granville has become an iconic part of Ride Weekend for countless participants, offering one of the most memorable and energizing stretches of Pelotonia routes. As Riders enter downtown Granville, they are met with cheering Spectators, handmade signs, and prayer flags. Every special detail, from decorations to logistics, is powered by the people of Granville. 

Local organizations play a vital role in this experience. Village of Granville staff, Granville Police Department and Granville Schools are all closely involved in the Ride Weekend planning. Additionally, local organizations such as the Kiwanis Club of Granville, volunteer to assist with pedestrian and traffic control, greeting Riders with enthusiasm and commitment. 

Granville’s impact extends beyond Ride Weekend. Two of the original Pelotonia Kids rides — SpokesKids and SpokesKids Jr. — were started in Granville long before Pelotonia officially launched its kids program. Today, these youth rides remain a cherished tradition, raising more than $10,000 this year with the participation of 40 young Riders. 

Representatives from the Village administration and the Team Granville Peloton proudly accepted the award on stage and received a banner to be displayed in town.  

Congratulations to the Village of Granville on receiving the 2025 Community of the Year Award! 

The 2025 Pelotonia Awards winners were announced and celebrated at Night of Impact on November 18th. If you missed the event, you can watch the program on YouTube here. 

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 Kid of the Year Award recognizes a Pelotonia Kids Rider whose spirit, enthusiasm, and commitment to fundraising inspire the entire community and showcase the power of the next generation in furthering our mission of ending cancer.  

2025 Pelotonia Kid of the Year Award winner: Nolan Wince. 

At just nine years old, Nolan Wince has shown a level of courage and optimism that moves everyone who meets him. Diagnosed at age four with Medulloblastoma Sonic Hedgehog and Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, Nolan has faced brain cancer with extraordinary strength. In 2024, he became a direct beneficiary of Pelotonia-funded research, participating in a clinical trial at Nationwide Children’s Hospital that gave him new hope and new possibilities for recovery. 

This year, Nolan joined Pelotonia Kids – Team Huntington, where every dollar raised supports pediatric cancer research. Through his efforts, he raised more than $300 and inspired countless others to contribute to the cause. His energy and excitement are proof that even the smallest Riders can make a big impact. 

For Nolan and his family, every day is a reason to keep fighting and believing in the power of community. Nolan’s determination and joy remind us that courage knows no age and that the future of the movement is in good hands. 

Congratulations to Nolan Wince on receiving the 2025 Pelotonia Kid of the Year Award! 

The 2025 Pelotonia Awards winners were announced and celebrated at Night of Impact on November 18th. If you missed the event, you can watch the program on YouTube here. 

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 Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a volunteer whose unselfish and dedicated service has made a significant difference in the Pelotonia community, while demonstrating a commitment to our collective One Goal.  

2025 Pelotonia Volunteer of the Year Award winners: Jay Hobgood and Rachel Mauk. 

For more than a decade, Dr. Jay Hobgood and Dr. Rachel Mauk have been two of the most important behind-the-scenes heroes in the Pelotonia community. Both meteorologists, they provide the critical weather monitoring and guidance that ensure every Rider, Volunteer, and supporter stays safe during Ride Weekend and Gravel Day. 

Jay, a retired Ohio State University professor with a PhD in Geography, has been offering meteorology support since Pelotonia’s third year, delivering real-time updates and helping shape weather safety policies. Rachel, who holds a PhD in Atmospheric Sciences and works as Assistant Director of Research in the Ohio State University College of Medicine, collaborates with him to create forecasts and assessments that inform critical event-day decisions. 

Their expertise, collaboration, and quiet leadership have helped thousands of participants enjoy safe and successful events year after year. Together, Jay and Rachel embody the essence of volunteerism: dedicated, humble, and deeply committed to the mission that unites us all. 

Congratulations to Drs. Jay Hobgood and Rachel Mauk on receiving the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award! 

The 2025 Pelotonia Awards winners were announced and celebrated at Night of Impact on November 18th. If you missed the event, you can watch the program on YouTube here. 

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 advancing our mission of ending cancer.   

2025 First-Year Rider Award winner: Lia Frost. 

When it comes to courage and determination, few stories compare to Lia Frost’s. Ride Day 2025 marked her first day medically cleared to exercise following brain surgery to remove a grapefruit-sized tumor, and she chose to celebrate by joining Pelotonia’s Ride Weekend. Her decision to ride was a powerful statement of gratitude and hope, and it inspired everyone who heard her story. 

As a member of Team Cardinal Health and a High Roller, Lia raised more than $10,000 in her first year, becoming an instant force for good in the Pelotonia community. Her resilience, optimism, and advocacy for cancer research reflect the profound impact that community-driven efforts can have. 

Lia’s story is not just one of personal triumph; it’s a testament to the lifesaving power of Pelotonia’s mission. The research that helped her heal was funded by Riders just like her, and she now rides to ensure others can benefit in the same way. Lia embodies what it means to turn hardship into purpose and fear into fuel. 

Congratulations to Lia Frost on receiving the 2025 First-Year Rider Award! 

The 2025 Pelotonia Awards winners were announced and celebrated at Night of Impact on November 18th. If you missed the event, you can watch the program on YouTube here. 

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.   

2025 Pelotonia Legacy Award winner: Dwight Hurd. 

At 93 years old and a cancer Survivor, Dwight Hurd represents the very best of the Pelotonia spirit. He continues to ride with determination and gratitude, inspiring everyone around him. His story reflects the full circle of Pelotonia’s mission: research saves lives, and those lives, in turn, fuel the mission to save more. 

As Pelotonia’s oldest Rider and an 11-year participant, Dwight brings unmatched perseverance and heart to every mile. Riding with Team 88, he has raised more than $16,000 in all-time funds and completed the 30-mile route in 2025. His teammates, donors, and fellow Riders look to him as a symbol of hope — a living example of what can happen when people come together to support research that changes lives. 

Dwight’s commitment, kindness, and passion have left a mark on the Pelotonia community. His journey is a testament to the power of purpose, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of Riders to come. 

Congratulations to Dwight Hurd on receiving the 2025 Pelotonia Legacy Award! 

The 2025 Pelotonia Awards winners were announced and celebrated at Night of Impact on November 18th. If you missed the event, you can watch the program on YouTube here.