Cancer Survivor Rides 15 Years for Research That Saved Him

When Steven Smith climbed on his bike for the first Pelotonia ride in 2009, he was raising money for other people's battles. He never imagined that within years, he'd be sitting in a chemotherapy chair at Ohio State's James Cancer Hospital, fighting leukemia himself.

But he made himself a promise during those long treatment days. If he could beat cancer, he'd get back on that bike.

Smith kept that promise. He's ridden every single Pelotonia since 2009, even getting special permission from his doctor to ride during his final months of chemotherapy. Nearly 15 years later, he's cancer-free and still pedaling.

"Every mile carries special meaning," Smith said. The money he helps raise funded the very research that gave him more time with his family.

Then cancer came back to the Smith household. His wife Melonie was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer and has now fought it three separate times. Now when Steven rides, he carries both their stories.

"He rides for himself but for me as well," Melonie said. The couple knows firsthand that the dollars raised at Pelotonia translate directly into treatment breakthroughs.

The Ripple Effect

Since 2009, Pelotonia has raised nearly $350 million for cancer research. That money has launched new projects and pushed discoveries from lab benches to patient bedsides.

CEO Joe Apgar sees the impact every year. Riders who wouldn't have survived their diagnoses five or ten years ago now celebrate their survivorship by pedaling alongside fellow survivors. The research keeps creating new possibilities.

This year's event expects over 8,000 riders, 3,000 volunteers, and tens of thousands of spectators. They'll all gather in Columbus this weekend united by one mission: ending cancer.

Smith will be there too, riding mile after meaningful mile. "Athlete, non-athlete, we're out there for the same cause," he said. "And we're going to beat this."