Research Stories
Pioneer in Head and Neck Cancer Research Never Misses a Pelotonia Ride
| November 7, 2024
The drive for Matthew Old, MD, to be involved in philanthropy to accelerate innovative cancer research, like many of his colleagues, is highly personal.
Dr. Old has ridden in every mile of every Pelotonia event — 2,850 total miles to be exact.
His participation started with the first Ride Weekend in 2009 and has continued as a Rider each year since, adding the Gravel Day rides in 2023 and 2024.
Dr. Old is a professor and director of the Division of Head and Neck Oncology in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
A 16-Year Rider and Peloton team captain, his contributions to cancer research extend beyond his lab and scientific achievements to include his long-time participation in and fundraising for Pelotonia.
Dr. Old leads Team Head and Neck, a peloton team within the super peloton, Team Buckeye, with wife and co-captain Molly Old. In its 13th year, 8 this peloton team includes providers, family members, friends, and cancer Survivors. Team Head and Neck has raised over $1.5 million. Through his individual fundraising efforts, Dr. Old has raised more than $65,500 in all-time funds for Pelotonia.
Dr. Old started his work at Ohio State in 2009, the same year that the first Pelotonia ride began. His personal motivation for participating as a Pelotonia Rider year after year stems from his deep connection to the shared mission of Pelotonia and the OSUCCC – James to create a cancer-free world.
Head and neck cancer rates continue to increase due to the rising human papilloma virus (HPV) epidemic.
“Philanthropy will help fund research and advances to stay ahead of the curve and get to more effective therapies quicker. These innovations wouldn’t be possible without the support of our [Pelotonia] community,” Dr. Old says.
His research focuses on improving surgical outcomes and developing innovative therapies for head and neck cancers, particularly through minimally invasive techniques and targeted therapies. As a highly respected figure in oncology, Dr. Old has authored numerous publications and received several awards for his work in advancing cancer care and research.
“We have one of the largest databases of adenoid cystic carcinoma in the world and are well-positioned to do research on this cancer,” Dr. Old says. “I’ve been proud to further these research efforts through the generosity of the Pelotonia community, including funds raised from a lemonade stand and bake sale hosted by Santino Carnevale, who lost his father to head and neck cancer. Santino alone has raised more than $135,000 to enable this breakthrough research.”
Through his leadership and dedication as a cancer care advocate and researcher – as well as a passionate Pelotonia Rider — Dr. Old continues to inspire others to support Pelotonia and drive advancements in head and neck cancer research, making an impact on patients’ lives and on the broader community.
