I am riding my 9^th year in Pelotonia because I believe in the power of community and the importance of funding innovative cancer research. Cancer has impacted so many lives, and I am committed to doing my part to support advancements that bring us closer to a cure.

My journey with Pelotonia is deeply personal. My grandpa was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2004. Cancer took him quick, as we found out on a Wednesday, and he died that Saturday. Witnessing the emptiness that my family has had to embrace without him earthside has ignited a passion in me to contribute to fight against cancer. I feel like cancer has cheated me out of having him here to witness so many important events- in not only my life, but all those that loved him. I know that if he were here today, he would be at that finish line. Now, I just tell myself that he hasn’t missed an important event, and he is still at that finish line; he just has a different view.

I am truly thrilled to work for a company that takes such a vested interest in being a part of the solution to cancer. I have personally seen how the money raised has had impacts on people that have received treatment at The James. It is truly life changing researching that saves lives, which is very fitting for Huntington’s vision of looking out for people.

Founded in 2008, Pelotonia was established with the objective to fund life-saving cancer research. Focused on a community of passionate fundraisers and centered around a three-day experience of cycling, entertainment, and volunteerism, the Pelotonia community has raised more than $158 million for high-risk, high-reward cancer research. Last year, 8,022 Riders from 39 states and 7 countries participated along with 3,576 Virtual Riders and 3,044 Volunteers. Please join me in supporting this cause, where 100% of your donation will go directly towards cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.