by Eleanor Goedeke / photos compliments of Pedal the Cause

On Sunday, September 22, 3,000 riders and spinners were prepared to ride their bikes, celebrate community and to fund cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital through the annual cycling challenge, Pedal the Cause. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans. Although soaking rain and thunderstorms made it unsafe to ride, spirits remained high among the dedicated Pedal the Cause community.

On Sunday, September 22, 3,000 riders and spinners were prepared to ride their bikes, celebrate community. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans. But you can still donate through their FINISH LINE PUSH fundraising drive.

Donate now at **pedalthecause.org** or at **pedalthecause.org/donate**. 100% of your gift will fund life-saving research.

On Saturday, the weather held as participants enjoyed the Kids Challenge, Taste the Cause and the Inspirational Program at their outdoor Ride Village at Family Arena with over 2,250 in attendance. On Sunday, Ride Village opened at noon after the rain had passed, and 2,000 Pedal the Cause riders and their families and friends gathered for lunch, live music and a celebration of community.

“In our 15 years of Pedal the Cause, we’ve been impossibly lucky with no major weather issues,” said Executive Director David Drier. “Unfortunately, our ticket was pulled this year. But the reality of it is that cancer doesn’t stop for rain. It doesn’t stop for anything, and neither will we. The impact of Pedal the Cause is enormous, and we will stay true to our mission to create a world without cancer even if we can’t ride together this year. The fight against cancer continues – rain or shine.”

What started as a ride in 2010 has evolved into a dynamic community mobilized for change, fueled by hope and united in their commitment to curing cancer. To date, Pedal the Cause has funded 229 cancer research projects – 177 adult and 52 pediatric through the donation of more than $46 million, creating real, tangible impact in the fight against cancer. Their bold model of using 100 percent of mpublic donations to fund world-class cancer research is made possible by the generous support of sponsors, led by presenting sponsor Edward Jones. On Saturday night during the Inspirational Program, Edward Jones Managing Partner Penny Pennington announced the firm’s renewed commitment with $1 million in operational support over the next three years.

"Since its first ride in 2010, Pedal the Cause has played a critical role in funding groundbreaking cancer research and advancing cancer protocols and care," said Pennington. "Edward Jones is proud to continue our longtime support of Pedal the Cause and their mission to create a world without this devastating disease."

This year, Pedal the Cause has raised $3.8 million for cancer research with fundraising continuing through October 31. There is still time to help them reach their 2024 goal of donating $5 million to fund critical cancer at their local beneficiaries. Donate now at pedalthecause.org or at pedalthecause.org/donate. 100% of your gift will fund life-saving research.