Pedaling for a Cure!

In this day and age, every single one of us know someone who has been directly affected by Cancer. It's a scary reality. Family members, friends, co-workers... Men and women... Young and old... Cancer does not descriminate.

Luckily, the United States has some of the best cancer research facilities in the world... The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (a.k.a. "The James") being among them. Despite the fact that groundbreaking research performed at The James is beating cancer every day, a desperate need for additional funds and resources remains. Fortunately, we can all help!

In 2008, NetJets Inc. (the company that Steve and I both work for) joined forces with the director and CEO of The James as well as the LIVESTRONG movement to take a stand against this terrible disease. This is where the idea of Pelotonia was born.

Peloton, by definition, is "a principal group of cyclists in a race". Pelotonia, is a grass roots bike tour with one goal: To end cancer. On August 28th-30th, 2009, a group of NetJets employees (including our President and CEO, Richard Santulli) will join Lance Armstrong and other cyclists from across the country to do just that. This bike tour will start here in Columbus, OH, and will consist of a 2 day, 180 mile round trip ride to Ohio University in Athens, OH.

Now... I haven't spent any good quality time on a bike since I was a kid. I don't even own a bike at this point in my life. The last time I was on a borrowed one, it was ugly. That being said, I do plan on volunteering for the event. On the other hand... Steve has a bike, and I'm proud to say that he will be riding (and I will be cheering him on) in this noble fight for a cure!

At this point, Steve has signed up to ride the 50 mile ride, and has to raise $1000 in order to participate. However, he really wants to be able to participate in the full 180 mile ride, and is hoping to be able to raise the $2000 required to do so. I know that money is tight for all of us, and that many of us already have charities/organizations we contribute to. However, if you're interested in helping Steve, you can click the link below to view his rider profile and make a donation. *No amount is too small!*

Steve Jones Pelotonia Profile

Steve's personal goal for the Pelotonia is to raise $5000. He and a few of his co-workers (who are also riding) are trying to think of something a little crazy they can do if they each reach their personal goals. They were thinking of shaving their heads, but for obvious reasons, that's not a very far fetched idea for Steve. Suggestions are welcome... Let the brainstorming begin!