Since its inception in 2010, Pedal the Cause has raised more than $45.8 million in the fight against cancer. The number represents thousands of cyclists riding in support of cancer patients, hundreds of volunteers ensuring the event runs smoothly and more than 100,000 donors stepping up. It’s funding that has helped make 223 cancer research projects possible. Now in its 15th year, Pedal the Cause is an inspiring example of how powerful it can be when St. Louisans come together for a meaningful purpose.
One of the 10 largest cause-related cycling events in the country, Pedal the Cause is able to use 100% of participant-raised funds to support innovative cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Even the best and brightest ideas require funding to get off the ground,” Pedal the Cause executive director David Drier says. “We are thrilled that our beneficiaries are now able to garner a 13:1 return on investment for every dollar we donate. The money our community has raised is creating a huge impact in the St. Louis cancer ecosystem and around the world.”
Pedal the Cause’s model is possible thanks to the support of corporate sponsors. Since its inception, the event’s presenting sponsor has been Edward Jones. The company also organizes one of the largest cycling teams. Seven of Team Edward Jones’ riders have ridden in the event every single year. This includes Bill DeRoze, who has a very personal connection to the mission. “I started riding in Pedal the Cause 15 years ago because I wanted to support the cancer research that helped cancer victims,” he says. “Then in 2020, I became a cancer victim. BJC and Siteman Cancer Center were there for me, and I will always be there for them.”
Individual donors also play a vital role in Pedal the Cause’s continued success. Dan and Sheila Timm are the nonprofit’s all-time biggest fundraisers, having raised a combined $2.5 million for cancer research. Sheila is a cancer survivor so they understand first hand the importance of fostering a spirit of hope. “We are excited about being involved with Pedal the Cause because we believe research is the key to a world without cancer,” the Timms say. “Funding seed research allows good ideas to explode into game changing treatments. We strongly believe in Pedal’s model that uses corporate sponsorships to support all the administrative and event costs and allows 100% of donations to go to this critical research.”
This year, Pedal the Cause will be held Sept. 21 and 22 at a new venue, the Family Arena in St. Charles. The change in location means riders can look forward to new courses and activities, as well as old favorites like Taste the Cause and the Inspirational Program. “The 15th anniversary of Pedal the Cause gives us so much to look forward to,” Drier notes. “We all have a reason to hope and fight for a world without cancer, and there is truly a way for everyone to get involved. We look forward to welcoming all who have been affected by this terrible disease to join us on the road 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, will be held Sept. 21 and 22. Pictured on the cover: 15-year Pedal the Cause riders on Team Edward Jones Brian Ashworth, Dan Timm, Angela Parker, Mike Lodes, Vinay Vemulapalli, Bill Godefroid (Not Pictured: Bill DeRoze). 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 the top: Dan and Sheila Timm at the Pedal the Cause Podium Dinner
Photo: Phillip Hamer for Pedal the Cause
