“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.”

“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.

“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.”

“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.

“Most kids, including my own, understand the impact of Pelotonia on cancer research and I’ve seen how they want to contribute to the mission in their own ways,” Jeannine said.

“Pelotonia Kids gives children a way to honor those they love with cancer. In the past, they’ve could participate by making signs, wearing Pelotonia t-shirts, or cheering on family members. Now, kids can be Pelotonia Riders, and they’re going to be really excited about that.”

“At M/I Homes, we wanted to organize this Pelotonia Kids ride to focus on families: both the families of our associates and team members as well as the families of our customers who reside in M/I Homes communities – including those who live in Darby Station, which proudly is a Columbus area neighborhood featuring one of our 2024 Pelotonia Benefit Homes and the location of our first-ever Pelotonia Kids ride,” Jeannine said.

“Events like these are possible in Linden thanks to many generous partners and organizations coming together to make it fun and invest in the youth of our community,” Donna said. “We’re excited to bring Pelotonia Kids to the city of Columbus and the Linden area.”  

“We are raising the next generation of philanthropists in the brown and black community. Pelotonia Kids gives children in Linden the opportunity for peer-to-peer impact, as their efforts will directly benefit other kids,” Adam said.

“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 and teaching them the value of service above self.”

“This year, I’m excited that the money we raise through SpokesKIDS Jr. will be donated to pediatric cancer research. It’s really cool that kids can help other kids just like them through our ride,” Nathaniel said.

“When we started Pelotonia Kids, we hoped that one day the funds raised by kids would benefit kids, and this year, that becomes a reality,” Sarah Jane said. 

“We are thrilled about the partnership with Pelotonia and the OSUCCC–James, which enables all funds raised by Pelotonia Kids to benefit research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Cancer research today is undoubtedly going to have a tremendous impact on our children’s health in the future, and it’s incredibly special that the funds raised through Pelotonia Kids will benefit research for kids who are being impacted by cancer now.”

“Pelotonia is a uniquely wonderful experience, whether you’re a Rider or a spectator. Kids feel the positive energy as they watch their parents ride, and they really want to be a part of it, too. That’s why we created Pelotonia Kids,” Sarah Jane said. “The Pelotonia leadership team is unbelievable, and we’ve been so fortunate to have their unwavering support and vision to grow Pelotonia Kids to expand participation for so many more kids and families.”

“Michael’s legacy lives on each day at Pelotonia in our daily work,” said Joe Apgar, Pelotonia CEO. “He has forever influenced our approach to stewardship and creating experiences for the community. Michael was always the first person to lift someone up on a bad day and comfort people in times of need. His smile brought warmth to every room he entered.”

“It was the honor of a lifetime to work alongside and learn from Michael Nestor. His tenacity, courage, and commitment to kindness inspire me greatly,” said Doug Ulman, Pelotonia Vice Chair. “He leaves a legacy that is unmatched. We miss him dearly and we are committed to furthering Michael’s impact in the years to come.”

Michael’s colleague from LIVESTRONG and Pelotonia, Steph Zimmerman, Special Assistant to the Vice Chair at Pelotonia, shared, “Pelotonia unites people with a common goal and brings out the best of humanity. No one exemplified this more than Michael. He worked to not only create an environment of kindness among the Pelotonia staff, but to spread encouragement and hope throughout the broader community.

Michael continued to inspire others and instill hope by sharing his own personal cancer story, being the first to encourage others going through hard times, and expressing gratitude at every opportunity. As we honor Michael this year and beyond, we look forward to creating lasting ways to celebrate his core value of kindness and make sure that his values remain at the heart of the Pelotonia community.”

“I am ecstatic that Team Bexley’s fifth Pedal for Pancakes is now part of Pelotonia Kids, benefiting pediatric cancer research. We’re thrilled about this collaboration with the OSUCCC—James and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Our participants and community can take great pride in knowing their support is touching countless lives, including the youngest among us,” Susanne said.