Pelotonia ’09 raises more than $4.5 million for cancer research at the OSUCCC – James
The 2,265 cyclists who participated in the inaugural Pelotonia bicycling excursion came from 31 states and Canada. The youngest rider was 11 and the oldest was 77, and they included renowned cycling champion and honorary chair Lance Armstrong. Together, they raised $4,511,868.42, every penny of which is supporting cancer research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.
Pelotonia’s riders were greeted by an outpouring of support along the route between Columbus and Athens in southern Ohio during the weekend of Aug. 28-30. More than 1,000 volunteers assisted the riders along the way.
“The feeling of achievement is incredibly addictive,” says Tom Lennox, executive director of Pelotonia. “This was our first Pelotonia, and although we were optimistic about the success of the event, we are even more pleased with the outcome. We are looking forward to making Pelotonia 10 an even bigger success.”
Many riders said they would ride again and bring friends and family to join them in the 2010 Pelotonia, scheduled for Aug. 13-15. Registration opened Dec. 1, 2009.
“Each and every one of us has been affected by cancer in some way, and we all want to take the battle into our own hands,” says E. Gordon Gee, president of The Ohio State University. “Pelotonia gives us that chance. The inaugural ride’s remarkable success testifies to the tremendous partnership among individuals, communities, corporations, and the University.”
Gee noted “the very real ways in which the funds raised enable our physicians and researchers to improve the lives of patients and their families.”
“We need a world that’s cancer-free,” says OSUCCC director and James CEO Michael A. Caligiuri, MD. “And because of Pelotonia, we have additional, much-needed funding resources that will help prevent, detect, diagnose and treat cancers.”