Why do I ride VeloSano?

Everyone has their own “why.” Mine has evolved over the past three years.

At first, I joined VeloSano to be part of a community—to ride alongside fellow Adcommers and be part of something bigger than myself. But cancer had already touched my life. With a family history of breast cancer, the cause felt personal long before I ever participated.

In 2018, before my first ride, I lost a classmate and friend to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In the weeks after our high school graduation, I watched classmates, friends and our broader community come together in support. That experience had a profound impact on my life. It reshaped how I understood the power of community, especially in someone’s time of need.

Through my time as a participant in VeloSano, I’ve met incredible survivors, dedicated volunteers, passionate researchers and families navigating their own journeys. Every story reinforces the same truth: this mission matters. What continues to inspire me most is the people. It really does start with one—one person, one dollar, one reason to show up. And together, those individual “whys” become something much bigger.

Most of us have been affected by cancer in some way. Over the past three years, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for this community and the impact it has on so many lives, providing hope through research, advancing treatment and bringing us closer to a cure.

Growing the mission together

Last year, I stepped into a new role as co-captain of the Adcom VeloSano Bike to Cure team—and I’m proud to continue leading the team this year alongside my co-captains. Together, we’ve hosted a variety of events, both internally and externally, bringing colleagues, friends and family together for meaningful (and fun) ways to support the cause.

The results speak volumes:

• In 2025, we raised $41,741
• 47 participants joined our team
• We rode a combined 1,105 miles
• And had 15 volunteers on our Adcom Cheer Squad

Since our team began 12 years ago, we’ve raised over $376,959, directly funding four cancer research projects.

A movement that keeps expanding

VeloSano continues to grow beyond the traditional Bike to Cure, taking place September 18-19, 2026. Today, the mission includes new and exciting ways to get involved:

• Trike & Bike – a unique children’s ride at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
• A pickleball tournament in Florida
• A 50+ mile ride in London

Seeing this expansion and the dedication behind it is incredibly motivating. It’s a reminder that this mission is gaining momentum, reaching new audiences, and driving meaningful progress toward a cure.

How to get involved

VeloSano is more than just a bike ride.

Yes, Ride Weekend brings us together at Mall B in Downtown Cleveland, but participation can look different for everyone:

• Ride with the team on one of the following routes: Guardians City Loop (6 Miles), 12 Miles, 25 Miles, 50 Miles, 75 Miles, and 100 Miles.
• Join as a Champion for a Cure and create your own activity (walk, swim, run—your choice)
• Volunteer and be part of the Cheer Squad—bringing signs, energy and encouragement
• Host or participate in a community fundraising event—happy hours, karaoke nights, Mario Kart tournaments and more.
• Or support the mission through a donation

No matter how you join in the movement, you are a part of something bigger.

Join us and get involved today

If you or anyone you know who has been affected by cancer or wants to end cancer, be a part of this mission and drive the movement forward, join us for VeloSano.

• Register to join our team today here: https://give.velosano.org/team/810865
• See the impact VeloSano has here: https://impact.velosano.org/
• Donate to VeloSano here: https://www.velosano.org/donate/

See you at the starting line.