Some people find their calling in a single moment. For Ioana Baiu, MD, MPH, it was watching a heart restart in an operating room when she was 16 years old. That spark set her on a path to becoming a thoracic surgeon, though the road wasn’t always straight.

Early in her training, Dr. Baiu was steered away from surgery and told it was incompatible with having a family or a life. She pivoted to pediatrics until three women surgeons at Stanford showed her it was possible, and she found her way back. Today, she’s one of a small but growing number of female thoracic surgeons in the country, and the only one at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). Recruited in 2024 with the support of Pelotonia funding, she specializes in lung, esophageal and chest wall cancers. 

“If you want to do something, follow your heart and go for it. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a woman or a man, or what your background is, just find and follow your path,” she says. “Once you’re doing what you love, you’ll wake up every day and feel the excitement.”

Her research focuses on improving patient outcomes, identifying risk factors through AI and expanding awareness of lung cancer screening, including the fact that the disease increasingly affects women and non-smokers alike. The impact is real: consider the case of a 36-year-old runner who was diagnosed early, underwent robotic lung surgery with Dr. Baiu and returned to running shortly after. 

Dr. Baiu made her Pelotonia debut as a Challenger in 2025 and plans to participate again in 2026. “I’ve heard so much about Pelotonia and am excited to take part in it,” she says. She’s no stranger to pushing limits. A competitive triathlete, she describes the sport as being much like surgery: it demands intense focus, mental toughness and the willingness to go beyond what you thought possible.

Read the full story on Health & Discovery.

This article appeared in the Spring 2026 issue of the Pelotonia Insider, which can be found here.

For surgeons treating head and neck cancers, precision is everything. Removing the entire tumor is critical, but so is preserving the delicate structures that allow patients to speak, chew and swallow. 

Researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) are advancing a new approach that helps surgeons do both: custom 3D-printed models created from each patient’s medical imaging. 

“This model is especially critical in cancers that have invaded bone, because tumor boundaries are often less visible or palpable. Our 3D models are built based on the patient’s actual tumor imaging, so it gives us a much better visual map at the patient’s bedside for removing the cancer as completely as possible while also sparing important structures and tissue to maintain function after surgery,” says Kyle VanKoevering, MD, an otolaryngologist (head and neck surgeon) at the OSUCCC – James and medical director of the M4 Lab (Medical Modeling, Materials and Manufacturing Lab) within the Ohio State College of Engineering.

Using CT and MRI scans, Dr. VanKoevering and his team generate highly detailed, patient-specific models of the affected anatomy, including the tumor and surrounding bone. Surgeons can hold and study the model before and during surgery, gaining a clearer understanding of exactly where the cancer sits within complex structures like the jaw. 

This work is an example of how cancer engineering touches the OSUCCC – James mission, whether in basic science discovery or in outreach to communities. 

For tumors that invade bones, boundaries can be difficult to see or feel during surgery. Having a physical model allows surgeons to visualize the tumor’s location more clearly and plan their approach with greater confidence. 

The study was supported by Pelotonia funding and led by researchers including medical student Matthew Marquardt, a Pelotonia Scholar. The findings highlight how innovative technology — and the generosity of Pelotonia Riders and donors — can translate to better cancer care and improved quality of life for patients. 

“Long term, our hope is that this work will enable other surgeons to use this technology across the country to help improve people’s lives and improve cancer outcomes,”  said Matthew Marquardt, study corresponding author and third-year medical student.

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

This article appeared in the Spring 2026 issue of the Pelotonia Insider, which can be found here.

Cancer has long been thought of as a disease that primarily affects older adults. But that assumption is changing, and the numbers tell a different story. According to the National Cancer Institute, rates of colon, breast, uterine and kidney cancers are rising among people under age 50, with the sharpest increases among adults in their 20s. In Ohio alone, cancer rates for residents under 50 have climbed as much as 20% in recent years, even as rates for older adults have held steady or declined. 

This shift demands a new kind of response. And at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), that response has a name: BRIDGE. 

WHAT IS BRIDGE?

BRIDGE — Building Research Innovation and Care Delivery for Groups with Young Adult and Early-Onset Cancers — is a first-of-its-kind signature initiative of James CEO and OSUCCC Director W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, that is designed to serve patients between the ages of 18 and 50. It was developed and is co-led by surgeon-scientists Sara Myers, MD, PhD, and John Alexander, MD, who saw firsthand that younger cancer patients have needs that traditional care models simply weren’t designed to meet. 

Younger patients often face cancer while simultaneously raising children, building careers and managing financial obligations. They may carry underlying genetic risk factors that haven’t been identified. And their cancers can be more aggressive, requiring more personalized treatment strategies. 

“Unlike traditional programs that address clinical excellence, advocacy and research according to cancer type,” says Dr. Myers, “our initiative integrates these components into a single, cohesive framework to give our patients throughout their cancer journey — not just isolated treatment encounters. We are in the process of transforming this initiative into a cohesive program with efficient workflows that ensure systematic access to core supportive services like oncofertility and genetic testing while expanding offerings to include clinical trials, enhanced surveillance through predisposition clinics, wrap-around childcare and robust financial navigation.”

A NEW STANDARD OF COORDINATED CARE

At the heart of BRIDGE is coordination. Every OSUCCC – James patient between the ages of 18 and 50 will be offered critical services early in their treatment planning, not as an afterthought once treatment has been initiated. 

Those services include fertility counseling, universal genomic testing to identify genetic drivers, long-term survivorship support and community education about early screening and detection. Dedicated care coordinators will serve as central points of contact, connecting patients to the right resources at the right time and bridging communication between patients and their treatment teams. 

Dr. Myers says BRIDGE acts as an “umbrella,” bringing together existing OSUCCC – James support programs, including the Adolescent and Young Adult Program and JamesCare for Life, under one unified, proactive framework. 

FUELING RESEARCH TO FIND ANSWERS

Why are more young people developing cancer? That question remains one of oncology’s most urgent and unsolved challenges. BRIDGE takes it on directly through a competitive pilot research grant program, funded by Pelotonia and administered through the OSUCCC – James Intramural Research Program. 

These two-year grants will be awarded twice annually to cancer researchers at Ohio State or Nationwide Children’s Hospital, supporting high-risk, high-reward research into tumor biology, genetics, outcomes and care delivery for younger cancer patients. Up to three projects will be funded in the program’s first year. Applications were due in January 2026; the grants will begin in July 2026. 

Listen to the full story here on The James Cancer-Free World Podcast.

This article appeared in the Spring 2026 issue of the Pelotonia Insider, which can be found here.

“Many of these patients are navigating cancer while also building careers or raising young children. Cancer brings emotional, financial and physical stress,” says Dr. Rathmell. “BRIDGE will provide comprehensive services and support to streamline that journey, with the goal of improving outcomes.” 

A VISION FOR LASTING CHANGE

BRIDGE represents a $20 million, five-year commitment to building something that didn’t exist before: a comprehensive, research-driven home for younger adults facing cancer, including young parents and early-career professionals who never expected a cancer diagnosis at this stage of their lives. And it’s built not just to treat today’s patients, but to better understand and ultimately prevent the cancers of tomorrow. 

Listen to the full story here on The James Cancer-Free World Podcast.

This article appeared in the Spring 2026 issue of the Pelotonia Insider, which can be found here.

This annual Impact Report is a collaboration between Pelotonia and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) and honors the Pelotonia community’s passion for and belief in our mission of Ending Cancer this past year and beyond. Throughout its pages, you’ll discover highlights from Pelotonia’s community events, participant stories, innovative initiatives for increased impact, the vision of the OSUCCC – James, and many examples of research impact stories at the OSUCCC – James, made possible with the support of the Pelotonia community.

2025 was a record-breaking fundraising year for Pelotonia, thanks to how this community rallied together. Tens of thousands of participants, donors, partners, supporters, and researchers united, contributing their time and energy to accelerate innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC – James through Pelotonia.

We hope the content within this impact report celebrates everyone who has made Pelotonia possible to date, and will inspire even more to participate in 2026 as registration opens on March 4.

This is also a great resource for Pelotonia participants to use in their fundraising efforts, as every single dollar raised makes a difference with 100% directed to innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC – James. Keep an eye on our Fundraising Resources page as we add more tools and templates for participants to use the 2025 Impact Report in 2026 fundraising!

Read highlights from the report below, and click to view or download the full 2025 Impact Report!

At The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), Eric A. Singer, MD, MA, MS, is leading efforts to transform care for patients facing kidney cancer. As director of the Division of Urologic Oncology at the OSUCCC – James, Dr. Singer and his team are working to develop treatments that are both more effective and easier for patients to tolerate. 

One of the division’s most promising studies is exploring “histotripsy,” a noninvasive technique that uses sound waves to destroy tumor tissue without surgery. The multicenter trial has already seen several successful procedures completed at the OSUCCC – James and could offer a less invasive alternative for some patients with kidney cancer. 

Another ongoing study, known as the Cyto-KIK trial, is testing a combination of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in people with metastatic kidney cancer. In this approach, patients receive medication before undergoing surgery to remove the primary tumor and resume systemic treatment afterward. Researchers believe that exposing patients to medicines before the tumor is removed may help the immune system better recognize and attack the disease after surgery. 

Dr. Singer’s group is also leading a new trial combining medications for patients at high risk of kidney cancer recurrence after surgery, an approach that builds on earlier single-drug studies and could establish a new standard of care.  

In addition, the OSUCCC – James played a key role in a National Cancer Institute-led study that showed strong responses in patients with aggressive papillary kidney cancers using a similar two-drug combination. Dr. Singer was a senior co-author of the study, which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. 

Beyond research, Dr. Singer is expanding the Division of Urologic Oncology, recruiting additional specialists and leading a fellowship program to train the next generation of experts. Most recently, he was named chair of the Board of Directors of the Kidney Cancer Association, which has been supporting patients and providers in the kidney cancer community since 1990. 

Dr. Singer received Pelotonia funds for his research startup at the OSUCCC – James and is now a three-year Rider. He rides for his patients and for progress, embodying the connection between Pelotonia-funded research and discoveries that change lives. 

Read the full story on Health & Discovery here. 

For many people with cancer, traveling to receive the specialized care they need can be difficult. After the COVID-19 pandemic made telehealth more common, researchers at the OSUCCC – James are reimagining what’s possible for cancer patients everywhere. 

Each year, nearly 64,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Most are diagnosed only after their disease has advanced, which makes them ineligible for surgical options that could cure it in earlier stages. In recent years, oncologists have discovered that some pancreatic cancer patients can benefit from targeted smart drugs, which are precision therapies designed to attack only the specific genetic mutations that fuel a cancer cell’s growth. 

Building on these advances in precision oncology is Sameek Roychowdhury, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist and researcher at the OSUCCC – James. Dr. Roychowdhury’s new clinical trial takes the next leap forward: combining the power of genomic-driven treatment with the accessibility of telehealth. By connecting patients remotely with cancer experts and cutting-edge clinical research, his team is breaking down the geographic and logistical barriers that often prevent people from receiving advanced cancer care. 

Dr. Roychowdhury believes that telehealth represents an operational innovation — a cost-effective, far-reaching model of care that can extend beyond the walls of major cancer centers. He hopes this clinical trial will serve as a prototype for others, paving the way for more equitable access to research participation and the study of rare cancers. 

A 15-year Pelotonia participant, High Roller and Peloton Captain of Team Buckeye – Sameek’s Geeks, Dr. Roychowdhury has raised more than $69,000 for Pelotonia. In 2025, he participated in the 100-mile route at Ride Weekend and the 25-mile route and Trail Run/Hike at Gravel Day. He is also a multiple-time recipient of Pelotonia-funded Idea Grants, and his long-standing dedication to cancer research earned him recognition as the 2025 Pelotonia-Funded Researcher of the Year awardee at the Night of Impact celebration. 

Listen to the full episode of The James Cancer-Free World Podcast on YouTube here.

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

Dr. Christian Rolfo leverages multi-cultural background for innovative care

When Christian Rolfo, MD, PhD, MBA, joined The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) in August 2024, he brought decades of global experience and a vision to speed up the path from scientific discovery to patient care.  

As director of the Division of Medical Oncology, Dr. Rolfo oversees nearly 100 physicians and scientists who treat a wide range of cancers, including lung, breast, gastrointestinal, skin and sarcoma, and who conduct research aimed at improving outcomes for patients everywhere. 

Born in Córdoba, Argentina, Dr. Rolfo’s passion for service began early. His curiosity and compassion led him to pursue medicine, and his Italian roots drew him to Europe for further study and research. Over the years, he has worked in Spain, Belgium and the United States, becoming fluent in six languages and gaining recognition as an international leader in oncology. 

Dr. Rolfo, who also holds the Diane Nye and Michael Rayden Chair in Innovative Cancer Research, is known for pioneering work in liquid biopsy, which is a way to detect cancer through a simple blood test instead of a traditional tissue biopsy. By identifying tiny fragments of tumor DNA or circulating cancer cells, this approach offers a less invasive, faster and more precise way to diagnose and monitor cancer. His research has shaped international guidelines and expanded access to personalized treatments for patients with lung and thoracic cancers. 

Now at the OSUCCC – James, Dr. Rolfo continues to push the boundaries of precision medicine, leading early-phase clinical trials and helping connect patients to innovative therapies. He emphasizes that such breakthroughs are possible only because of support from donors, advocates and the Pelotonia community. In 2025, Dr. Rolfo contributed to this mission by actively raising funds for Pelotonia. Above all, he hopes his legacy will be one of turning science into hope by helping discoveries in the lab reach patients faster and by changing lives around the world. 

Read the full story on Health & Discovery here.

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

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. 

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.