This year, I am participating in Pelotonia, a 50 mile bike as well as the first Pelotonia Ultramarathon on Gravel Day. Pelotonia is a global community determined to see an end to cancer and this is its 17th year of raising funds to accelerate innovative cancer research here at The Ohio State University.

I’ve never shied away from an athletic endeavor, but this one is closer to my heart than the others. I will be riding in support of my mom, Barb Grencewicz, who is currently in remission from endometrial cancer.

My mom’s diagnosis was unexpected and has deeply impacted her life and that of our family. She is currently doing well on treatment, a fact for which we are extremely thankful. Nevertheless, the endless doctors appointments and trips to the hospital have illustrated both the burden of the disease and the life saving impact of cancer treatments on patients like my mom. As a medical student and cancer scientist myself, the benefits of cancer research and treatment have never been more evident to me.

My mom is my biggest role model and strongest supporter. She’s always been a fighter and she continues to be throughout this process. We are thankful for the research, treatments, and providers that have made her diagnosis manageable thus far. Organizations like Pelotonia help make hopeful research outcomes a reality for patients like my mom. I can personally attest that my colleagues in my lab have benefitted immensely from Pelotonia donations, and their work has directly influenced patient care as we speak.

Please consider donating to my Pelotonia fundraiser. Every donation matters, and no amount is insignificant! Together, the Pelotonia community has raised over $300 million for cancer research at the OSUCCC – James. I’m proud to ask for your support of my fundraising efforts knowing that Pelotonia directs 100% of every participant-raised dollar to invest in the brightest minds and biggest ideas in cancer research.

You can learn more about Pelotonia’s impact at pelotonia.org/our-impact.