Since its inception in 2010, Pedal the Cause has raised more than $40,800,000 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 more than 100,000 donors stepping up; and it’s funding to help make 203 research projects possible at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Pedal the Cause is an inspiring example of how powerful it can be when St. Louisans come together for a meaningful purpose.
Since its inception, the event’s presenting sponsor has been Edward Jones. The company also organizes one of the largest cycling teams. “Edward Jones has been a major supporter since year one,” says David Drier, executive director of Pedal the Cause. “Its support has been transformative, and without Edward Jones, we would not be where we are today with more than $40 million donated to fund innovative cancer research. Now in our 14th year of riding and fundraising, we can see the real impact of those dollars translating into major scientific discoveries and advancements in the fight against cancer. Edward Jones, in partnership with our full roster of generous sponsors, has made this possible.”
One member of team Edward Jones is technical architect Scott Vicars, who has been riding in Pedal the Cause for 11 years. His own battle with cancer began in 2012, when strange symptoms like fever and itching led to the discovery of a cell phone-sized tumor in his chest. Working with the team at Siteman, his oncologist was able to confirm a diagnosis of Stage 2 Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma. “Cancer is not just something I read about or see on TV—it is personal,” he says. “I lost friends and family to cancer. I’ve fought and beat it myself. Cancer research is vital to help find new and better ways for people to win the battle against this terrible disease.”
After completing his cancer treatment, Vicars’ primary care physician recommended he get involved in activities supporting cancer research. Pedal the Cause was the perfect fit. “Just before my diagnosis, a friend at Edward Jones and I were training to ride in the last leg of the ‘Tour de Ted,’ honoring the founder of our firm, Ted Jones, who lost his life to cancer and was instrumental in the establishment of the KATY Trail,” he explains. “I had been an active cyclist before cancer, and I became even more interested in Edward Jones’ involvement with Pedal the Cause after. This was something I could do to raise money and help people affected by cancer.”
This year, Pedal the Cause will be held Sept. 23 and 24 in Chesterfield. 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. “I’m riding the Gravel Grinder for the second year in a row because I love the KATY Trail,” Vicars says. “Even if you don’t ride at all, anything you do with Pedal the Cause helps support cancer research, which could mean finding a new treatment to save the life of someone you know and love.”
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. 23 and 24. Pictured on the cover: Pedal the Cause executive director David Drier, director of operations Ashley Saitta, Scott Vicars of Edward Jones, Pedal the Cause Board Member Emery Skolfield of Edward Jones. 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: Scott Vicars of Edward Jones
Photo: Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton
