A dedicated team of Ohio State Marion faculty, students, staff, and Marion volunteer cyclists that take part in The James Comprehensive Cancer Center’s annual three day cycling and fundraising event Pelotonia, were recently recognized by the organization for raising over $100,000 for cancer research over the past 9 years.
Buckeye-Team Marion, an Ohio State Marion based cycling team that has participated in the annual Pelotonia fundraising event for cancer research from 2013 through 2022, was sent a personalized congratulatory video and message from Pelotonia President Joe Apgar thanking the group of volunteers for their contribution to cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James.
Current Buckeye Team-Marion Captain and Professor of Mathematics, Dr. John Maharry shared that he is heartened by the team’s contributions to date being recognized for its continued dedication to the cause.
“I think it shows our dedication and the ongoing community support for a worthy cause,” said Maharry.
“The donations to our team and Pelotonia in general have truly made a significant impact in cancer research and treatment, from funding faculty and student researchers on our campus to the new Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology,” he said.
“We should be proud of the impact we have made and continue to make,” said Maharry. “Several of us have already passed their individual goals and we are well on our way to making the team goal of over $12,000 this year,” he added.
Pelotonia Buckeye-Team Marion 2022 members include faculty members Dr. John Maharry, Dr. Ruben Petreaca, Dr. Renee Bouley, Dr. Golrokh Mirzaei, Dr. Ryan Yoder, Dr. Rich Bradley (faculty emeritus), community member Sally Hughes, 2022 Pelotonia Fellowship recipient and biology major Shayaan Rasheed, and staff members Dr. Leslie Beyer-Hermsen and Maryjo Mundey.
Former Director of Development and Community Relations, Dave Claborn spearheaded the initiative at Ohio State Marion during the first five years before passing the reigns of the team Maharry when Claborn retired.
Maharry said, “almost everyone involved has been personally impacted by cancer in one way or another and that drives the passion to continue to do this.”
“Our team members have all been personally impacted by cancer," he shared, "whether that be themselves, a family member, or close friend battling cancer, not to mention those campus faculty and students on the front lines of cancer research.
Founded in 2008, Pelotonia was established with the objective to fund innovative cancer research. As a centerpiece of its year-round fundraising efforts, Pelotonia hosts a three-day experience that includes a weekend of cycling, entertainment, and volunteerism. Since its founding, Pelotonia has raised over $236 million for cancer research.