Category: Community Stories
Inspiring participant and team stories from the Pelotonia community
Community Stories
Remembering Michael Nestor: A Legacy of Strength, Kindness and Courage
| June 20, 2024
In 2021, Pelotonia proudly awarded the inaugural Mary Hyatt Courage Award to Michael Nestor to honor his outstanding contributions to cancer research and a life dedicated to advocacy, leadership, fundraising, and volunteerism. As a cancer advocate, Pelotonia staff alumni, and 6x Rider, Michael helped raise tens of millions of dollars to fund innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC—James.
Today, Pelotonia remembers and celebrates the life of Michael Nestor whose battle against cancer was marked not only by his strength and courage, but also by his big heart and unwavering resilience.
“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.”
Michael’s unfaltering optimism in the face of adversity touched the lives of all who knew him, leaving an imprint of love, courage, and inspiration.
Michael Nestor’s lifelong commitment to philanthropy was ignited by early volunteer work, culminating in a decade of transformative contributions to cancer research and survivor support. From a young age, Michael developed a passion for helping others. He studied hospitality at Cornell University and worked at some of the world’s leading hotels and resorts. After pursuing a master’s degree in organizational leadership and ethics, Michael transitioned into the nonprofit sector, joining LIVESTRONG, and later Pelotonia as a staff member. Over the next decade, he dedicated his professional career to improving the lives of cancer survivors and funding innovative, lifesaving cancer research which has left a lasting legacy on the community.
Michael also played a pivotal role in advancing the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. He and his husband, Doug Zullo, were among the first to marry in California before the state temporarily halted same-sex marriages in 2008. Their wedding celebration showcased the true meaning of commitment and their deep devotion to each other continued throughout life’s joys and challenges.
In July 2020, after a decade of working in the cancer nonprofit space, Michael was diagnosed with Myxoid Liposarcoma, an extremely rare soft tissue cancer. He underwent vigorous treatment at The James as well as MD Anderson in Houston, including a below-knee amputation on his right leg in November 2020.
Despite his four-year battle with cancer, Michael’s life was never defined by his illness. Instead, the experience uncovered strength and courage in himself that helped him push forward and deeply moved those around him.
On March 11, 2024, at the age of 44, Michael passed away, leaving behind a loving family, countless friends, and an enduring legacy as a beacon of hope and light in the world. He is remembered for his exemplary gratitude, gentle smile, gregarious laugh, and thoughtful handwritten cards.
“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.”
This Pride Month and National Cancer Survivors Month, the Pelotonia community honors Michael for his contributions to our mission of ending cancer and celebrates his life as a champion of kindness.
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.”
Community Stories
Pedal for Pancakes Kicks off Pelotonia Kids on June 15
| June 14, 2024
Volunteers from Team Bexley have organized the first Pelotonia Kids ride of 2024, Pedal for Pancakes, which will be on Saturday, June 15, at Capital University in Bexley! The youth cycling event engages children ages four to 10 to participate. Community members of all ages are also invited to cheer on these youngest Pelotonia Riders, enjoy pancakes, and participate in various family-friendly activities.
All proceeds from Pedal for Pancakes now benefit Pelotonia Kids, a series of youth cycling events to engage the next generation of Pelotonia participants. In collaboration with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC—James), 100 percent of every Pelotonia Kids participant-raised dollar will be directed to innovative pediatric cancer research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Each Pelotonia Kids ride is organized by Pelotonia community volunteers with assistance from Pelotonia through planning resources, equipment rentals, merchandise, and promotional support. Events vary in participant ages, route distances, and venue locations.
Pedal for Pancakes is one of the original kids rides that has seen success before the Pelotonia Kids program launched this year. This is the fifth Pedal for Pancakes in Bexley, and the planning for this year’s event is led by Susanne Kondracke, Survivor, 16x Rider, High Roller, and co-captain of Team Bexley, and Todd Evert, 9x Rider and Team Bexley team member.
“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.
Pedal for Pancakes hosted its first ride in 2017 when members of Team Bexley saw an opportunity to get local kids more involved in their community peloton and fundraising for Pelotonia’s mission. For the first three years, Pedal for Pancakes went through the heart of Bexley, and in 2023 moved to Capital University, allowing for additional space to expand the course and host more activities.
To date, Pedal for Pancakes has raised more than $23,300 for innovative cancer research!
As Pelotonia Kids continues to grow, Susanne, Todd, and Team Bexley look forward to expanding Pedal for Pancakes beyond the Bexley community with youth participants and families from around Columbus.
The event on June 15 will include open course riding for 6 and under from 9-9:30 am and then 9:30-11:30 am for all Riders. The official kickoff will include an opening ceremony at 9:30 am featuring Pelotonia CEO Joe Apgar, Nationwide Children’s Foundation, and Bexley Mayor Ben Kessler.
In addition to a youth cycling course, Pedal for Pancakes event highlights include bike decorating, yard games, kids safety activities with the Bexley Police Department and Columbus Fire and Rescue, a raffle benefiting Pelotonia Kids, and more!
Follow updates on the Pelotonia social media channels and @pelotoniateambexley on Instagram!
Read more about the Pelotonia Kids program and upcoming rides at pelotoniakids.com, or donate to Pedal for Pancakes to support pediatric cancer research!
Community Stories
Every Fabulous Mile: Tanny Crane’s Coast-to-Coast Cycling Odyssey to Raise $100,000
| May 4, 2024
16-year Rider and 16x High Roller, Tanny Crane, is taking on a personal odyssey to make a significant impact on Ending Cancer. With a goal to raise $100,000 for Pelotonia 2024, Tanny will embark on a 49-day coast-to-coast cycling trip to ride 3,400 miles through 15 states. Her journey begins on May 5 with a dip of her back tire into the Pacific Ocean just south of Los Angeles in Manhattan Beach, and then seven weeks later, she plans to reach Revere Beach in Boston, where she will dip her front tire into the Atlantic Ocean on June 21.
Tanny has completed 2,800 miles of Pelotonia Ride Weekend routes since the first one in 2009, not to mention the many miles in training with her peloton team, Girls with Gears. As a High Roller for the past 15 years, Tanny starts off this journey as the 15th highest all-time fundraiser for Pelotonia, raising more than $434,000 from 2009 through 2023. Tanny’s impact will continue to skyrocket as she aims to raise even more for innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC-James this year. Note: as of today, the day before her cross-country ride begins, Tanny has already raised more than $59,000 (and counting)!
We sat down with Tanny just a few days before her big ride. Here are highlights from an inspiring, authentic conversation as she reflected on her Pelotonia experiences, the motivation behind this “bucket list” ride, and her mixed emotions as she takes on this exciting challenge.
When asked how she was feeling, as the countdown is now just days away, Tanny said, “I feel ready. I am fully packed. I’m so excited and horribly nervous.”
Tanny is CEO of Columbus-based investment company, The Crane Group, and her out of office replies are set as she steps completely away from her inbox for seven weeks. She has been planning for this ride for two years, but had dreamed of it for even longer. “This has been on my bucket list for 13 years,” Tanny said. “A dear friend of mine completed a similar coast-to-coast trip, and I promised him I’d do it someday. Four years later, he died. It’s hard to find the time to embark on such a journey, but in recent years, it’s been weighing on me and I knew I just had to do it.” Tanny even convinced three friends to join her, who will be among the 28 riders on this epic experience.
In January, Tanny started a 10-week intense endurance training schedule that included up to 6-7 days of cycling per week to physically prepare for the ride, which has been much different than her Pelotonia training. “I am more of a fair-weather trainer for Pelotonia; I am typically just getting my bike out this time of year, and then my training gets more intense through the summer,” Tanny admits. She is registered to ride the 190-mile route on August 3-4, but Tanny had to start training earlier, more frequently and more intensely this year as she prepares to ride an average of 80 to 100 miles daily for 49 days.
She has also focused on her nutrition. “At Pelotonia, the peanut butter sandwiches are great; they make it easy for the two-day Ride Weekend endurance. This longer ride is more focused on the electrolytes and a consistent regimen for nutrition,” she added.
For Tanny, this experience is about more than logging miles; it’s a personal quest for self-discovery and connection. “I’m hoping to gain the attitude of being present,” she says. “What I want to get out of this journey is a spiritual sense of really getting to know myself. This is something I’ve wanted to do for so long that it feels important to enjoy the moment.”
Tanny has also been mentally preparing for her 3,400-mile ride, researching each day’s route. She appreciates knowing what to expect, which will include everything from long stretches of flat to hills with up to 5,000 feet of elevation climb — and from roads to highways. She will get just five days of rest along the ride, and she is excited that some family and friends have plans to come visit her in those locations. Plus, Tanny plans to get a massage on each rest day.
Throughout her ride, Tanny looks forward to meeting new people and sharing more about Pelotonia. “Even though I ride with a peloton team, you often ride up next to somebody else you don’t know,” she explains. “You have the most amazing conversations as you listen to someone else’s story — especially with Survivors. I am always in awe of their stories. I’m really eager to share the story of Pelotonia with others during this journey.”
Similar to the incredible community of spectators and supporters along the routes for Ride Weekend, Tanny said that she has heard some of the towns along this ride will have people cheering and holding signs, as well as police officers lined up to support and thank the riders. “That reminds me a lot of Pelotonia,” she said.
Tanny rides in Pelotonia every year in honor of her father, who died after a battle with lung cancer more than 30 years ago. She also adds new names to her list of people she rides for each year as more loved ones have cancer; this year is no different.
“My Pelotonia mantra has always been about the Survivors. They have been through so much more pain than what I feel climbing up the hill on Reynolds Road, my nemesis. What they’ve been through mentally and physically far surpasses anything that I am doing,” she said. “That’s why Pelotonia is so important to me; we need to keep up this fight. I have a friend going through breast cancer treatment right now. It is unbelievable what she’s going through, yet she has such a positive attitude. It really drives me.”
But the advancements in cancer research made possible through funding from the Pelotonia community excite Tanny, especially when it comes to immuno-oncology and immunotherapy. “I was at the Pelotonia Research Center a couple weeks ago listening to the researchers. The continued progress we’re making is remarkable,” she said. “I love this shift to Ending Cancer. I truly feel that we’ll make huge progress in my lifetime. But if we’re not relentless, it won’t happen.”
As Tanny embarks on her coast-to-coast journey, she carries with her the hope of Survivors, researchers, and all who are affected by cancer. With every fabulous mile (“EFM” as Tanny calls it) that she pedals and every single dollar she raises, the Pelotonia community will rally behind her as we collectively work toward our shared goal of Ending Cancer.
What’s next for Tanny after she completes this odyssey ride? She told us she has already climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Shasta, and the Grand Teton – which is undeniably impressive. But it sounds like Pelotonia Gravel Day could be next on her list. “I’m thinking about trading in my mountain bike for a gravel bike,” she said. “And pickleball; I can’t wait to play pickleball again.”
You can follow Tanny’s cycling journey at her personal blog, TCsBigBikeRide.com.
Go Tanny! The entire Pelotonia community is cheering you on.
Coast-to-Coast for Cancer Research
Thousands of Miles and More than $273,000 raised
Read the post-ride story about Tanny Crane’s cross-country cycling journey in this updated post. She far exceeded her fundraising goal, raising more $273,000+ for cancer research.
Community Stories
What is a High Roller?
| March 15, 2024
High Rollers are Pelotonia’s top individual fundraisers. This community sets big goals, challenging themselves and their supporters to make a significant impact through a higher fundraising level. Each High Roller commits to a fundraising minimum of $5,000, with 100% of every dollar raised going directly to innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC-James.
In 2023, the 625 High Rollers that participated in Pelotonia raised $6 million of the $25+ million total community-raised funds for groundbreaking research – curating an incredible impact that is bringing brighter outcomes to individuals impacted by cancer every single day.
High Rollers receive perks for going above and beyond in their individual fundraising. This includes a special High Roller jersey, and, new this year, an exclusive event invitation during launch week of the following year!
All High Rollers from the previous year will be invited to the High Roller Evening of Appreciation to kick off Pelotonia Launch Week. At this year’s inaugural event, attendees enjoyed food from top local restaurants, received first access to new Pelotonia merchandise, heard exciting Pelotonia news and research updates firsthand, and celebrated their annual fundraising impact on research at the OSUCCC-James as a collective group.
Are you interested in furthering your Pelotonia impact by becoming a High Roller in 2024? You can register as a High Roller during the registration process at pelotonia.org/register. Current registered participants can commit to being a High Roller within their personal profile at any point during the fundraising period for 2024.
We’re grateful for the efforts of High Rollers on Pelotonia’s mission to date, and for the incredible contributions this community of top fundraisers will continue to make on funding cancer research initiatives that are extending and saving lives around the world.
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!
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.”
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.
Community Stories
2022 Awards: Volunteer of the Year, Sarah Buckley
| December 13, 2022
About Sarah
An 11-year volunteer and rockstar fundraiser, Sarah is well-known for being kind, reliable and hard-working. Whether it’s rolling posters, packing stewardship envelopes, or managing food and beverage at different sites, her dedication as a Lead Volunteer has created a profound impact on the Pelotonia community.
What does this cause mean to you?
It’s an opportunity for the whole community to come together. Cancer has taken so much from so many families, including mine, and this is a way to give back, knowing that 100% of the funds raised go directly to research.
What’s your favorite part of Ride Weekend?
I love being able to support the riders who spend so much time training and fundraising. From seeing hundreds of them launch in the morning to cheering them through the finish line, I want to make sure their Ride is an amazing experience!
What else would you like to share with the community?
I’m a huge college football fan! I’d also love to start traveling more.
Community Stories
2022 Awards: Research of the Year, Dr. Maria Mihaylova
| December 13, 2022
About Maria
Dr. Maria Milkova Mihaylova is being recognized for her outstanding achievements as a Pelotonia-funded researcher whose research focuses on understanding the effects of diet and aging on cellular metabolism. She has garnered many prestigious early career grants recently including the prominent Pew Scholar Award and a V Foundation Award, among others. Dr. Mihaylova has participated in Pelotonia since 2019 and she says she keeps coming back to show her gratitude for all the people who support scientists pursuing innovative research.
What does this cause mean to you?
Like many families, ours has also been affected by cancer. One of the reasons I wanted to go into cancer research was because of my grandmother, who passed away at an early age from metastatic breast cancer. She lived in a time and place where cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments were not an option. We have come such a long way and yet, there is so much more left to do. Organizations like Pelotonia allow researchers to think outside the box and do more innovative work that may not be funded by traditional mechanisms.
What’s your favorite part of Ride Weekend?
I will not forget my first experience with the Ride itself. As scientists, we are almost always behind the scenes, on the research bench and rarely interact with patients that our research may impact. It is amazing to experience an opportunity to do so! The togetherness, support and gratitude from survivors and their families during the ride weekend is both very moving and motivating to keep doing the work that we and our trainees do!
What else would you like to share with the community?
My family moved quite a bit when I was a kid and, as a result, I got to live on three different continents by the time I was a teenager. I think that gave me a good perspective on the ways of life across different cultures. I love that science brings so many people together from diverse backgrounds, which facilitates the exchange of ideas and the appreciation of different perspectives.
Community Stories
2022 Awards: Mary Hyatt Courage Award, Monda DeWeese
| December 13, 2022
About Monda
Monda and her family have participated in all 14 Pelotonia Ride Weekends as Lead Volunteers. They have been there from the first routes that came through their town of Nelsonville, to recent years downtown. Prior to Monda’s first year as a Lead Volunteer, she remembers sitting in the Pelotonia office for many nights planning routes, trying to determine what on earth a Water Monster was and the appropriate ratio of Gatorade mix. She has often said that Pelotonia fuels her. Without question, Monda keeps returning because of the camaraderie of the Pelotonia family.
What does this cause mean to you?
I grew up in a multigenerational family where we took care of each other. Growing up, seven of my family members battled cancer. Then my husband, Bill, began his fight of 17 recurrences of bladder cancer in 15 years, and then my Melanoma battle began in 2015. My passion and commitment come from my family, it’s just how I learned to be truly present during the fight. That is not all of my why – our family has long known that research is where it‘s at. We participate so that our daughter, Parker, doesn’t have to fight, so our future grandchildren and the generations of our family we won’t ever even get to meet don’t have to fight.
What’s your favorite part of Ride Weekend?
Once many questions have been asked and answered, just before the first riders are moved from staging into the chute, I sneak away and head to the top of a parking garage and look out. I look out at all the Riders as far as I can see, Volunteers making sure the Riders’ experience is the best they can make it, and the Pelotonia staff ensuring a smooth Ride – and what I see is the very best of humanity, the potential of what we can be if we all worked together for One Goal. I challenge anyone who looks out over the start line to believe our goal to end cancer is unattainable.
What else would you like to share with the community?
I retired after 31 years as the Executive Director of a correctional facility. Before that, I co-owned and operated a photography studio and camera shop for seven years. I have served three terms as the President of the Athens Herb Guild – personally growing herbs for culinary and crafting uses. My hobbies are photography, scrapbooking, paper crafting, and preserving stories for those who follow.
