At 16 as a Ladue High School student, Victoria Drier was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. “She came home complaining of a severe headache,” recalls mom Julie Drier. “I thought maybe her headband was too tight.” Over the last seven years, Victoria has undergone three brain surgeries and many rounds of radiation therapy. Next month her parents and friends will ride in her honor at Pedal the Cause, as they have every year since the event began.
Established in 2010 by cancer survivor Bill Koman, PTC is a two-day community-wide event with an ambitious goal: to find a cure for cancer. The money raised supports innovative research at Siteman Cancer Center, where Victoria has received care from researcher Dr. David Tran, and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where she’s been treated by pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Matthew Smyth. “We kickstart today’s ideas that become tomorrow’s life-saving strategies, including work that’s not yet eligible for federal funds,” says PTC executive director Jay Indovino. Proceeds from last year’s challenge already are supporting local research on leukemia, melanoma, and breast, esophageal and oral cancers, he adds, and a recent pancreatic cancer project yielded such significant results it has since been awarded millions of dollars in outside grants.
PTC offers a challenge to riders of all ages and abilities. This year’s event opens Sept. 27 at Soldiers’ Memorial with a day of celebration, including live entertainment and Taste the Cause, featuring cuisine from Annie Gunn’s, Basso, Cleveland-Heath, Farmhaus, The Libertine and Sidney Street Cafe. “Our cyclists work hard to raise funds, and we want to reward them and prepare them for the big ride with an awesome meal,” Indovino says. Taste the Cause is free to all registered cyclists and spinners; others can buy tickets on the PTC website.
Sept. 28 is ride day. Cyclists can choose from a spin tent or six course options, ranging in length from 15 to 100 miles (including a new 37.5-mile ride) and in degree from easy to lung-busting. “PTC is the highest-grossing athletic fundraising event in the region,” Indovino says. Last year’s raised $2.4 million and attracted 2,170 riders. “This year, we’re expecting more than 3,000 participants and thousands of virtual riders, and our goal is $3 million.” Presenting sponsor Edward Jones and funding partners such as ACW Alliance, Weber, Clayco and Michelob Ultra cover all expenses. “So every cent raised by participants stays right here in St. Louis to support accelerated research, discovery grants and clinical care,” Indovino explains.
Victoria, now 24, is pursuing a liberal arts degree at University of Missouri-Columbia. “Her most recent brain scan shows she’s stable,” says father David Drier. “She’s finally off treatment, and this year, for the very first time, she’ll be able to ride with us at PTC. Thanks to rapid advances in technology, medicine and science, we’ve never been closer to a cure for cancer. Victoria and many others are winning their battle, with help from PTC.”
Photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton
Pictured: David Drier, Victoria Drier, Dr. David Tran of Siteman Cancer Center and Washington University School of Medicine, and Julie Drier.
[Pedal the Cause, an annual cycling challenge benefiting research at Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, is Sept. 27 and 28 at Soldiers’ Memorial. Edward Jones is presenting sponsor. Registration is $125 (discounts available for children and students), plus a fundraising commitment. Virtual riders can participate for a $25 donation. For more information or to register, visit pedalthecause.org.]
