Over the past 16 years I have dedicated each Pelotonia ride to friends and family members who have been impacted by cancer. These individuals continue to be part of the reason I ride each year and unfortunately the list is a long one. All of them represent “why” I ride and support Pelotonia – we are paying it forward knowing that 100% of the funds raised through Pelotonia are directed to cancer research at Ohio State. In 2024 I added my own name to the list after I began treatment at The James for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Five years ago my primary care doctor noticed that my white blood cell count was rising in a consistent pattern between our quarterly appointments. He suggested I see a hematologist at Ohio State, and I have been a patient of Dr. Jennifer Woyach and The James since 2021. From 2021 - 2023 my annual appointments with Dr. Woyach resulted in a “see you next year” send off, but all of that changed in the last months of 2023 when my CLL went full throttle, and I needed to start treatment.

Here's the amazing news. Dr. Woyach is the primary investigator and lead researcher on CLL and other types of leukemia research at The James. She was a key researcber in the 2nd and 3rd rounds of clinical trials at The James for a drug called ibrutinib, which the FDA approved in 2013 to treat CLL and other forms of leukemia. The clinical trials on Ibrutinib at The James were underwritten in large part by Pelotonia funding. And now, I’m living proof that our collective support of funding cancer research through Pelotonia makes an impact.

My chemo treatment is a pill taken twice daily. The drug, acalabrutinib, is the second generation of ibrutinib available to patients around the world. More good news – CLL typically responds very well to acalabrutinib, and the immediate goal is to get my CLL in remission. Once there, CLL becomes a chronic disease, like diabetes, that can be easily controlled with ongoing treatment and monitoring.

Am I scared or worried? Not at all. A colleague at The James told me that if I had to pick a cancer, CLL would be a good choice as it is one of the most common forms of leukemia and responds well to treatment. The irony of this diagnosis is not lost on me, but I know with 100% certainty that I am exactly where I am supposed to be for treatment. Dr. Woyach and my "heme team" at The James have quickly become friends who are with me for the long haul.

I’ve registered for my 17th Pelotonia ride, and I would love your support for my personal fundraising efforts. Have no doubts that your donation makes a difference -- in my life, and in the lives of every person who hears their doctor say, “you have cancer”. This link will take you to my Pelotonia profile where your gift of any amount will be put to good use.

Thank you for your consideration!

Karl