Since its inception in 2010, Pedal the Cause has raised more than $32,083,109 in the fight against cancer. It’s an impressive number, but what’s even more awe-inspiring is what it represents. It’s thousands of cyclists riding in support of cancer patients; it’s hundreds of volunteers ensuring the event runs smoothly; it’s 149,000 donors stepping up; and it’s funding to help make possible 175 research projects at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Pedal the Cause is a powerful example of how powerful it is when St. Louis comes together for a meaningful purpose.
The event’s presenting sponsor has been Edward Jones since the first Pedal the Cause. The company also organizes one of the largest teams. To date, it alone has raised more than $3.5 million. “Edward Jones always is right in the thick of things when it comes to being involved in the community and giving back,” says Cathy Heimburger, a department leader at the company. Heimburger joined the organization directly out of college and initially didn’t expect to stay. However, after experiencing Edward Jones’ values and commitment, she knew it was where she wanted to be long term.
Heimburger has ridden as part of Team Edward Jones since 2019. “Colleagues had been asking me to ride for years, but I just donated money because I had no experience cycling,” she says. “Then, in 2018, my childhood best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. It broke my heart. When a subject becomes personal, the impact is magnified.” When asked about cycling in Pedal the Cause again, she decided it was the perfect time to get involved and purchased her first bicycle. “I had no idea what I was doing, except that I was doing it for my friend,” she notes.
Heimburger has come a long way from being a novice cyclist. Over the past two years, she has ridden 166 miles for Pedal the Cause and has pledged to bike another 100 for this year’s event. “From a fundraising perspective, I want to do something that is physically challenging,” she says. “I don’t want to just ask for people’s money and do something easy, especially since I’m riding to honor friends and families who are fighting against cancer.” Along with the physical challenge of cycling, she enjoys the camaraderie of the event.
This year, Pedal the Cause will be held Sept. 25 and 26 at Chesterfield Mall. Along with riding one of the cycling routes, participants can opt to spin on stationary bikes or tackle the physical challenge of their choice through Inspired, a virtual way to engage. There also will be a livestreamed inspirational program to highlight the impact of the money raised. “I believe in Pedal the Cause because every donation is going directly to cancer research,” Heimburger says. “I love being able to tell people that if they give me $10 or $1,000, 100% of it is going to Siteman and Children’s.”
Pedal the Cause, an annual cycling challenge benefiting research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, will be held Sept. 25 and 26. Pictured on the cover: Cathy Heimburger of Edward Jones. For more information or to register or donate, visit pedalthecause.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Bill Barrett
Pictured at the top: Cathy Heimburger
Photo: Bill Barrett
