For Marley Lewis, raising money for cancer research is deeply personal. When she was nine years old, her mom was diagnosed with tongue cancer and was successfully treated at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). “What I remember most is how compassionate and supportive everyone at The James was throughout my mom’s treatment,” Marley says. “The doctors, nurses and staff always made our family feel cared for not just as patients, but as people.” Grateful for the care her mom received at the OSUCCC – James, she knew someday she wanted to give back. That chance came three years later. During a seventh-grade Pink Out football game for breast cancer awareness, Marley was disappointed that she couldn’t honor her own mother because the event focused specifically on breast cancer. So, at just 12 years old, Marley decided to take matters into her own hands. Through a Pura Vida bracelet fundraiser, she designed and sold her own bracelets — green for Pelotonia, and purple to represent all cancers — and raised over $12,000. “I’m really big on bringing awareness for all cancers because they all have the same impact,” Marley says. “They all deserve to be recognized.” Marley’s youthful efforts did not go unnoticed. Doug Ulman, then CEO of Pelotonia, and Cindy Hilsheimer, a James Foundation Board member and founder of the Simply Community peloton, recognized her impact. They invited Marley and her mother to Pelotonia headquarters for a meeting and tour. “I got to meet them and donate the money I had raised,” Marley says. “It was amazing.” Get involved in Pelotonia as a rider, volunteer or donor to support cancer research at The Ohio State University. Marley repeated her bracelet fundraiser the following year, then expanded her efforts by selling T-shirts and sweatshirts featuring a design she created in her mother’s honor. Through these creative fundraisers, Marley has raised more than $40,000, all of which goes to cancer research funding at the OSUCCC – James. “It’s amazing to see how many people want awareness for all cancers and how many people have been affected by cancer.” says Marley, now 18 and preparing for her fifth Pelotonia ride with the Simply Community peloton. A senior and varsity lacrosse player at Olentangy Berlin High School, Marley, with the support of her coaches, coordinated the school’s first-ever Purple Out lacrosse game this season. The event reflected her passion for raising money and awareness for all cancer types. “We had purple ribbons in our hair and on our cleats,” she says, noting that the team also designed and sold T-shirts for the occasion. The stands were filled with purple, and the players wore purple jerseys donated by Cindy Hilsheimer. “She has supported me through everything,” Marley says of Cindy. “I don’t think I would have been able to raise the amount of money I have or meet the people I have without her.” The Purple Out game was a 50/50 fundraiser that raised $800, and she’s grateful that the tradition will continue next year after she graduates. Riding in Pelotonia as a child, and soon, as an adult, Marley has watched the event and its impact grow each year. That experience has given her a deeper perspective on Pelotonia’s mission. For anyone who is considering riding in Pelotonia, Marley encourages them to get involved, the younger the better. “I want Pelotonia to continue to grow,” she says. “That only happens with the younger generation keeping it going.” As she looks ahead to Ride Weekend, Marley says some of the most basic parts of the experience stand out above the rest. “Riding through the start line and the finish line is one of the best feelings ever,” Marley says. “It’s even better than winning a lacrosse game.” More info: How Pelotonia funds groundbreaking cancer research at the OSUCCC – James.