TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Watching a loved one battle cancer is an experience that no one ever wants to have. For some, however, it is a reality.
Jeff Martin, Associate Head Coach for Track and Field at Indiana State, has had to face this reality and is making the decision to battle alongside those afflicted by cancer.
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For Martin, cancer is an illness that has affected several of his family members and friends. Both of his mom's parents died of cancer and there is a history of prostate cancer on his dad's side of the family. His wife,
Angela Martin who also happens to be the program director for ISU track and field, has also seen cancer affect her family as her step mother is a stage four breast cancer survivor, three of her grandparents have had cancer and she currently has a family member with a rare form of leukemia who is fighting and winning.
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Wanting to find a way to make a difference in the lives of those dealing with cancer, Martin talked to Sycamore Track & Field alumnus Rich Porter who suggested the Pelotonia experience.
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"Rich Porter is the Chair of the James Foundation and he has continuously talked about the Pelotonia experience. I have been inspired by Rich's stories, enthusiasm and how the event helps the medical advancement and research. Along with Rich's encouragement and the reflection of those around me affected by cancer, I have decided to participate in this year's event," Martin said.
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Founded in 2008, Pelotonia was modeled after the Pan Mass Challenge, which supports the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and now is one of the largest charity cycling events in the nation. The objective of the event is to fund life-saving cancer research after community leaders saw a need to expand research due to stagnation in government funding.
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100% of every dollar raised for Pelotonia by the participants goes directly to fund cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. Throughout its history, the event has supported the work of 87 senior scientists and funded crucial studies and trials among a network of more than 50 hospitals across the state of Ohio.
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"Pelotonia is a wonderful event that helps with critical research and development of medical treatments to help the fight against cancer. I am excited to take part in this year's event and to join the fight to end cancer," Martin said.
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According to Steph Zimmerman, Director of Philanthropy and Donor Experience for Pelotonia, a big part of what makes the event so special is the participants themselves.
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"Riders like Jeff and Rich, who commit to ride between 25-200 miles and fundraise for cancer research, have enabled our community to raise more than $188 million in the past decade," Zimmerman said. "We are proud to share that 100% of every dollar raised by our participants goes directly to high-risk, high-reward cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute that is changing and saving lives around the world."
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To do his part in the event, Martin has committed to raise $1500 and he will be riding 45 miles from Columbus, Ohio to New Albany, Ohio.
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"As I look forward to the event it reminds me of how much this ugly disease has affected my life and family. There is no question that losing a loved one or someone that is close to you from cancer is difficult, but I felt that taking part in this ride would help honor the people that we have lost but also the people that are continuing to fight! It has been so inspiring to watch the determination and will to win of our loved ones that have beat cancer," Martin said.
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This year's Pelotonia event will take place from Aug. 2-4 and riders are currently in the fundraising stage. To learn more about Pelotonia visit
https://pelotonia.org/ and to make a donation click
here.
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For the latest information on the Sycamore Track & Field teams, make sure to check out
GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including
Facebook and
Twitter.
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