Last year, 3,600 cyclists rode in support of cancer patients as part of Pedal the Cause, and another 1,200 volunteers worked at the event. A stunning 40,000 people made donations, and 100% of the funds raised went toward groundbreaking research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Since 2010, Pedal the Cause has raised more than $24 million to support 118 cancer research projects. These numbers are an awe-inspiring example of how our city can come together for a worthy cause.

The 10th annual cycling challenge is Sept. 28 and 29, and Edward Jones is the presenting sponsor. It’s a vital role the financial firm has held since Pedal the Cause’s inception. The company was inspired to get involved by the loss of Ted Jones, its second managing partner and visionary, to cancer. However, Edward Jones is not content to just sponsor the event. Each year, it also organizes one of the largest teams. To date, the company alone has raised more than $2.5 million.

Keith and Lisa Ackerman are among the 157 members of Team Edward Jones who are riding to support life-saving cancer research. They first became involved with Pedal the Cause in 2017 after Lisa was diagnosed with stage zero breast cancer. Thankfully, since it was discovered early, there were options for treatment. Although she wasn’t treated at Siteman Cancer Center, the Ackermans understand the importance of the breakthroughs being made there. “I’m very lucky that the cancer could be removed with surgery and some radiation,” Lisa says. “Everyone benefits from the research done at Siteman.”

This year, busy schedules almost kept the Ackermans from participating, but their lives were touched once again by the disease. Keith was diagnosed with kidney cancer and melanoma. “Dealing with cancer can make you feel powerless,” he says. “Planning for the event is a way to take back some control, and it’s important to be able to raise money for the cause.” Keith will be taking part in the event only seven weeks after surgery to have the tumor in his kidney removed.

The Ackermans are proud to be part of a company that puts so much effort into combating cancer. Many of the donations they receive come from co-workers. “It’s definitely a humbling experience to see how everyone supports you,” Lisa says. “That giving nature is part of Edward Jones.” Keith adds that it is motivating to see company leaders like Penny Pennington, Brian Ashworth and Jim Weddle participating. “It’s really neat to talk with everyone on the morning of the ride,” he notes. “We all encourage one another, and you get to see how many people have gotten personally involved.”

Participants can register for one of six distances, time on a stationary bike or a virtual ride. The Ackermans are spinners, so they opt for the stationary bikes. “It’s high energy and a lot of fun,” Keith says. Pedal the Cause weekend begins Saturday, Sept. 28, at Chesterfield Amphitheater with fun events for the entire family, including the Ameren Kids Challenge, Taste the Cause and an inspirational program. “The first year we were involved, the program was a very emotional experience for me,” Lisa recalls. “It is always very moving to see all of the encouragement and support.”

Pedal the Cause, an annual cycling challenge benefiting research at Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, is Sept. 28 and 29 at Chesterfield Amphitheater Edward Jones is the presenting sponsor. Pictured on the cover: Lisa and Keith Ackerman. For more information or to register or donate, visit pedalthecause.org. 
Cover design by Julie Streiler | Cover Photo by Tim Parker Photography

Pictured at top: Lisa and Keith Ackerman
Photo: Tim Parker Photography