Dr. Derick Cycles in Pelotonia for Seventh Year

On Aug. 6 and 7, Dr. Derick cycled 180 miles for Pelotonia, a grassroots bike tour that funds cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

Since 2009, Pelotonia has raised over $106 million, and each year 100 percent is donated directly to essential research, including clinical trials, testing and treatments.

This was Dr. Derick’s seventh year riding with Stefanie’s Team of Hope Peloton. For him and many others, the journey is personal.

“All of us have been affected by this disease. I’m riding in memory of friends and family who we have lost to this disease and to honor friends and family who continue to fight and survive,” Dr. Derick said.

Pelotonia has one goal – to cure cancer, and after cycling hundreds of miles, Dr. Derick recognizes the importance and results of cancer research funding.

“I have a friend and colleague who was diagnosed two years ago with metastatic, stage four, lung cancer. The cancer had spread to his brain. But, thanks to cutting edge immune therapy that attacks a specific marker on that lung cancer cell, he is in remission,” Dr. Derick said. “Over the past eight years I have come to believe that we will one day be able to cure most, if not all cancers, through research and adequate funds to fuel that research. Pelotonia is one way to help raise funds for this important research.”