Defying limits: Wendy Chioji’s Legacy of Courage and Generosity 

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.