I rode in my first Pelotonia in 2023, and last year, I had the opportunity to experience a different side of Ride Weekend as a medical volunteer at The James Rest Stop first aid tent in Pataskala.

Heading into my third year, I’m even more excited and honored to be participating alongside so many devoted riders, challengers, volunteers and advocates – many of whom have been on this journey since the beginning.

As a physician, I know the vital importance of funding cancer research, and as a husband, father, son, brother and friend, unfortunately, I know that cancer inevitably will have an impact on all of us in some way.

I’m genuinely amazed by the determination and devotion that thousands of people across central Ohio and beyond demonstrate year after year in support of Pelotonia’s mission to end cancer.

Our cancer program at Ohio State consistently ranks as one of the best in the country. And the exceptional cancer care provided at The James wouldn’t be possible without the breakthroughs in cancer research that the Pelotonia community helps make possible.

Every dollar raised goes directly to lifesaving cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. With your help, Team Buckeye has contributed over $37 million to Pelotonia’s total of more than $309 million, which has fueled many breakthroughs in cancer research at The James.

Over the years, Pelotonia has become a full-blown movement that both inspires people and saves lives, and I’m so grateful to be part of it.

I hope to see you at this year’s event. Let’s keep the fight going so that together we can create a cancer-free world.