Leadership Perspective
With Pelotonia 2019 now a memory, and with 11 consecutive Pelotonia cycling events in the books, some might wonder what we’ll do for an encore.
The answer is that we’ll keep pursuing our shared vision of a cancer-free world, as evidenced by our recent announcement that, with the aid of a historic financial pledge from Pelotonia, we are making a monumental commitment to immuno-oncology, a relatively new discipline that is widely regarded as the next frontier in cancer care.
On July 26, just a few days before the Pelotonia 2019 cycling event, we shared the news of the formation of the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO), an institute made possible by Pelotonia’s pledge of $102,265,000 over five years. This is the largest gift in the history of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and one of the largest gifts ever to Ohio State. The “2,265” numbers within the pledge represent the 2,265 riders who participated in the first Pelotonia in 2009. The largest portion of this pledge — $65 million — will fund the PIIO.
With federal money still difficult to obtain for cancer research, everyone associated with Pelotonia — as a rider, virtual rider, volunteer, donor, sponsor, planner or facilitator — should be proud of what you have helped us accomplish through this internationally known event.
When this special issue of Frontiers — dedicated entirely to Pelotonia — went to print, Pelotonia had raised more than $203 million over the years. Fundraising for this year’s Pelotonia ended on Oct. 4; the exact amount raised will be announced in November.
This issue of Frontiers highlights many projects that Pelotonia funds have supported. We are very grateful to all who have played a part in making Pelotonia possible. Your efforts are making a tangible difference in the lives of patients and families who turn to the OSUCCC – James for help and hope.
Raphael Pollock, MD, PhD
Director, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
William Farrar, MD
CEO, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute