Last year, more than 4,000 cyclists of all ages rode in support of cancer patients as part of the 10th annual Pedal the Cause. They were joined by more than 1,100 volunteers who worked to make the event possible. In total, a record-breaking $4.74 million dollars was raised for groundbreaking research. The unprecedented donation brought the total funds collected by the event to more than $29 million since its inception in 2010. This money has helped finance more than 150 research projects at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Pedal the Cause is an inspiring example of how powerful it is when St. Louis comes together for a meaningful purpose. Even with the pandemic impacting all aspects of daily life, the campaign remains committed to its mission to fund vital cancer research. This year, Pedal the Cause Inspired will continue the tradition while keeping everyone involved safe. Participants will have the opportunity to choose their own physical challenge to complete on Sept. 26 and 27. While people will be biking, spinning, running and more alone or in small groups, everyone will be connected via a livestreamed inspirational program and various interactive opportunities.
The event’s presenting sponsor is Edward Jones. The financial firm has filled the vital role since the first Pedal the Cause. The company also organizes one of the largest teams. To date, it alone has raised more than $3 million. “Edward Jones is really driven by volunteerism, and they want their employees out in the community participating,” says Kelly McGinnis, a financial advisor with the company. “I really appreciate working for an organization that is forward thinking.” Kelly has participated in Pedal the Cause for the past six years, and his wife, Dawn, has been on Team Edward Jones for eight. Together, they have cycled more than 200 miles in the fight to end cancer.
“It’s become a personal thing for us,” Dawn says. “I had a melanoma removed, and my dad and former boss are survivors. With Pedal the Cause, everyone is supporting someone who is dealing with cancer or honoring those they’ve lost. It’s very powerful.” Kelly’s family also has been impacted by the disease. Both his mother and father passed away due to lung cancer, and he has two brothers who lost their battles as well. “It’s important to me to help raise money to end cancer,” he explains. “Everyone knows someone who has had it. This is a fantastic opportunity to support Siteman Cancer Center, and every penny donated goes directly to funding critical research. Plus, it’s a really fun event.”
While Pedal the Cause will certainly look different, Kelly and Dawn are still looking forward to this year’s ride. Dawn says they will miss the camaraderie of having others in person to cheer them on, but that won’t stop them from each meeting their 20-mile goal. “Cancer isn’t going away, and the need for fundraising dollars isn’t either,” Kelly notes. “You can go cycling any day, but there’s only one time of year when your bike can become a tool to end cancer.”
Pedal the Cause, an annual cycling challenge benefiting research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, is being held virtually Sept. 26 and 27. Edward Jones is the presenting sponsor. Pictured on the cover: Dawn and Kelly McGinnis. For more information or to register or donate, visit pedalthecause.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
Pictured at top: Kelly and Dawn McGinnis at Pedal the Cause 2018
Photo courtesy of Dawn and Kelly McGinnis
