A dedicated team of 91导航 Marion faculty, students, staff, and Marion volunteer cyclists that take part in The James Comprehensive Cancer Center鈥檚 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 91导航 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 91导航 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鈥檚 contributions to date being recognized for its continued dedication to the cause.
鈥淚 think it shows our dedication and the ongoing community support for a worthy cause,鈥 said Maharry.
鈥淭he 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,鈥 he said.
鈥淲e should be proud of the impact we have made and continue to make,鈥 said Maharry. 鈥淪everal 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,鈥 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 91导航 Marion during the first five years before passing the reigns of the team Maharry when Claborn retired.
Maharry said, 鈥渁lmost everyone involved has been personally impacted by cancer in one way or another and that drives the passion to continue to do this.鈥
鈥淥ur 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.