We all should be encouraged by our implacable resolve to expand this grassroots bicycle tour every year, annually attracting more riders and raising millions of dollars for cancer research at Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). Pelotonia 12 generated $16.87 million and boosted the four-year total for this popular event to more than $42 million. Projections suggest that the Pelotonia 13 tally will exceed last year’s and boost the five-year total ever higher.
Pelotonia 13 consisted of 248 pelotons (riding groups) that collectively contained a record 6,723 riders from 41 states and nine countries. It also drew 3,451 virtual riders and 2,445 volunteers. And thanks to the event’s generous sponsors, every cent raised by riders, virtual riders and donors goes directly to cancer research at the OSUCCC – James. This is especially important at a time when government grants for cancer research are difficult to obtain. Without extraordinary efforts such as Pelotonia, innovative ideas for cancer research, not to mention the ambitions of many young scientists, would languish.
This report will briefly summarize (on the facing page) how Pelotonia funds have been spent over the event’s first four years (2009-12). It will then look more closely at our Pelotonia Fellowship Program, our Idea Grants allocations of the past year for teams of faculty scientists, and our most recent equipment purchases and space development. It will also profile two renowned senior scientists who have been recruited to Ohio State’s cancer program with support from Pelotonia dollars.
On behalf of the OSUCCC – James family, I once again thank all Pelotonia riders, virtual riders, donors, volunteers, organizers and sponsors for helping advance our shared vision of a cancer-free world. And I look forward to seeing all of you, and still others, on next year’s ride.
Michael A. Caligiuri, MD
Director, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
CEO, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
John L. Marakas Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Foundation Chair in Cancer Research