This week Dr. Gabbe talks about Pelotonia and how you can help our fight against cancer.
Hi! What do seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstong, cancer research and 180 miles have in common? No, it’s not a riddle – it’s Pelotonia, the new annual cycling event set for August 28-30th that will raise money for cancer research at Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and the Solove Research Institute.
The goal of Pelotonia, derived from a French word that is used in cycling to describe a pack of riders who benefit from working together as a group, is to recruit 2,250 riders and 1,000 volunteers for a three-day event that will raise $4 million in the first year and $40 million over five years for cancer research here at Ohio State University.
Cyclists can choose from one of three routes, all starting in Columbus and traveling southeast to Ohio University in Athens. The routes will vary in mileage from 50 to 180 miles and will appeal to all levels of cycling experience and fitness. Riders will commit to raising specific amounts of money based on the routes they choose.
Lance Armstrong himself has signed on to ride the Columbus to Athens route, and many others from the Medical Center and OSU will be joining him as well. Look for Health System CEO, Pete Geier, James CEO Michael Caliguiri and OSU President Gordon Gee to be riding along with Lance during the event. The bike tour/fundraiser was made possible by a $12.5 million grant from NetJets and that means that every penny of money raised by the Pelotonia riders will go directly to cancer research.
This is a community event open to all who are interested in joining our fight against cancer. Please visit www.pelotonia.org to register to ride, to volunteer or to sponsor a rider.
Pelotonia is a terrific way for all of us to get involved in supporting our research mission here at OSU.
You can support our community in other ways too, including Operation Feed which is going on now through May 8. This annual community-wide food drive helps feed homeless and low-income residents in central Ohio. Operation Feed is sponsored by the Mid-Ohio FoodBank and helps collect food for distribution to 228 food pantries and soup kitchens throughout central Ohio. This year, your contributions are even more important, because food banks have seen a 20 percent increase in need. Boxes are located throughout the Medical Center buildings for donations and you can find information on OneSource.
Thanks for all you do for our community and have a great week!