$287,469 total funds raised since 2020!
For 4 years, the Team Cleary Cyclers peloton has been riding, raising, and volunteering to create an incredible impact on cancer research. All funds raised for Pelotonia support innovative cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James).
Joe Apgar, Pelotonia President, is continually inspired by George Cleary’s leadership in the community. Upon hearing that Team Cleary Cyclers reached the $250k fundraising milestone, Joe shared, “On behalf of the Pelotonia Staff and Board, OSUCCC – James, and countless cancer patients who will benefit from the research you’re funding – Thank You!”
Last month (Friday October 13, 2023), George & Team Cleary Cyclers hosted a Push for Pelotonia fundraiser that raised over $11,000 thru tickets sales, silent auction, wine pull, 50/50 raffle and donations.
George Cleary, Team Cleary Cyclers Captain & Owner of The Cleary Company sends his gratitude and heartfelt thanks to all who attended, volunteered, sponsored and donated to this great evening of FUNdraising. “My plan for creating this event was to give a final push in fundraising for Team Cleary Cyclers and help the younger members of our peloton reach their goals, but with the commitment and hard work of so many generous souls we were able to surpass our target amount of $8-10k. Thank you!”
George Cleary – My Pelotonia
My first Pelotonia was 14 years ago and it’s been, without a doubt, the BEST 2 days of my year, every year. It is the most enthusiastic, positive experience that I have ever been part of. My brother-in-law, Chip Greenlee, encouraged me to join him and for several years we both rode with Stephanie Spielman’s Team of Hope Peloton. Chip and his wife, Sara, were great friends of Stephanie and her husband, Chris. The loss of such a strong-willed cancer survivor and friend encouraged Chip to do his part and he encouraged me to do the same.
I have optimism and hope to find better treatments and ultimately a cure! A lot of that enthusiasm is due to the leadership efforts and hard work of the Pelotonia staff but also so many more – the dedication of doctors, researchers, interns, volunteers, and those that grind out 25-200 miles every August for the journey to achieve One Goal – kicking cancer’s ass. I get goosebumps thinking of all the supporters, both financially and spiritually. I will see survivors in the country with masks on, no hair in wheelchairs at the end of their driveway ringing a cowbell to encourage each rider to “keep on pedaling”, or the guy holding his sign “thanks for saving my wife”.
“Riding for Chipper” Inspires Team Cleary Cyclers
Little did we know back when we first began riding the impact of Chip’s ask, because years later he fought and lost his battle with terminal Glioblastoma brain cancer. I created a new peloton, Team Cleary Cyclers, in 2020 as another step in raising my commitment to cancer research. As team captain, my mission is recruiting riders and energizing folks to do what they can (ride, volunteer, donate) to raise funds for Pelotonia’s #OneGoal to #EndCancer. Team Cleary Cyclers has grown to over 25 riders and many more volunteers.
In the many years since my first ride, I have had many of my friends (Tim, Adam, Sheila, Rick, just to name a few), as well as my mom, die from cancer. Betty, my mom, lost her battle with Leukemia in 2013 and that is when I kicked up my game to begin riding the 2-day 180-200 mile event. I wanted to show her that I could do more by grinding through a second day even though I’m tired and don’t want to get back on that little bike seat.
We hope that you will consider joining us in 2024! How can you get involved? Ride, Volunteer, Fundraise, Become a Partner, Give, Shop. Your commitment to partner with us will help maximize the impact of Pelotonia on raising funds for cancer research and know that every dollar vested will have a lasting return.
Cheers! George
Pelotonia: One Goal – End Cancer!
Pelotonia is a community that is determined to see an end to cancer. Their mission is to engage, inspire and challenge a community committed to change the world by accelerating innovative cancer research.
Visit pelotonia.org for more information and to find out how you can help support Pelotonia’s mission of raising money for #onegoal #endcancer. 100% of all funds raised fund innovative cancer research at the James Cancer Hospital Solove Research Institute at The Ohio State University.
