Over 3,000 riders, more than 300 kids, upwards of 700 volunteers and countless spectators came together on September 23 and 24 at the Chesterfield Amphitheater to raise funds for Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital through the annual cycling challenge, Pedal the Cause (PTC). Much more than a bike ride, PTC is a two-day celebration of life and community. Together, with the mission to cure cancer – all cancers, for everyone –  cancer fighters, survivors, Siteman researchers and doctors, Barnes-Jewish Hospital administration, and others who have been touched by cancer united to ride and raise money for this vital research.

PTC is unique in that 100 percent of public donations stay in St. Louis to accelerate lifesaving cancer research. This “100 percent model” is made possible by the generous support of many corporate sponsors such as Edward Jones, the Presenting Sponsor of PTC. Since 2010, PTC has donated over $15.8 million to Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital to fund this vital cancer research, which is leading to new treatments, preventions and cures. Although PTC 2017 is over, fundraising continues until October 31, 2017. Participants have already raised almost $3 million this year, and will continue to fund raise for another five weeks.

Currently, one in two men and one in three women will develop cancer in their lifetime. Even with major advances in treatment, cancer remains the second most common cause of death in the U.S. “Unfortunately, one in two and one in three resonates with most everyone. It’s real,” said Jay Indovino, executive director of PTC. “We’re too often reminded that the ‘one’ in that statistic are our friends, our family members, our colleagues, our Pedal the Cause riders, our volunteers, and ourselves. Funding this world-class research is how we will move the needle towards one day creating a world without cancer, and we are grateful for the St. Louis community’s robust support of our mission.”

In addition to the six different cycling events, participants enjoyed the Ameren Kids Challenge, Taste the Cause sponsored by True Manufacturing, PTC Live, an inspirational program hosted by KMOV’s Kent Ehrhardt and Laura Hettiger, the CycleBar Experience Stationary Cycling and a Post-Ride Celebration sponsored by Sugarfire Smoke House. There is still time to donate to cancer research and help us reach our 2017 goal. For more info or to donate before the fundraising deadline of October 31, visit www.pedalthecause.org.