Pelotonia inspires us to do everything we can

The sun is just rising, the start of what’s sure to be a warm August day. I love mornings, when I’m always energized and excited for what the day will bring. For me, this is how Pelotonia’s ride day has begun the past few years.

Whether you’re setting out on a 24- or 184-mile adventure — or supporting the effort by volunteering or donating to someone else’s journey — you are an integral part of Pelotonia, a powerful movement.

Pelotonia’s mission ties directly to my guiding principles. My curiosity led me to ask: What will my impact be? Why am I passionate about this cause? My commitment to collaboration made me wonder: Can we do even more together? My determination to celebrate wins raised this question: What will each of our rides bring?

The answers underscore why I ride. We are a community of individuals tightly bound by a singleness of purpose: to end cancer. Every participant has a unique story, a person to celebrate. I ride for my mom, for my mentors and for a special friend.

Our story on the Bikin’ Bittonis demonstrates how we can make Pelotonia a family affair. This year, they are riding together to honor a cousin who supported them for years before breast cancer took her life — but not her spirit. She reminded them often that Pelotonia is about hope.

There are so many people whose inspiring stories push us to go further. My contagiously enthusiastic colleague Selena Browning ’06, ’22 MPAL can convince even the most reluctant riders to join in. Like many, she is motivated by a memory. Surrounding herself with family and friends and spreading the mission of Pelotonia helps her cope with losing her father, who always met her at the finish line. She keeps riding so that, someday, no one will miss having their loved ones cheer them on.

To experience the strength of this community’s connectedness for yourself, learn more at pelotonia.org. Send me your questions about getting involved, or if you are already registered, tell me why you ride. You can email me at OSUAAPresident@osu.edu.

Together, we will make this milestone year for Pelotonia — now marking 15 years — the most impactful yet.