“Stefanie’s Team Of Hope” Raises over $365,000 for Cancer Research Pelotonia 12

Stefanie's Team of Hope raised over $365,000 for Pelotonia 12, making the team the #1 non-corporate fundraising peloton in the event for the third year in a row. All of the funds raised will go to life-saving cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

Stefanie’s Team of Hope was created in 2010 to honor the life of Stefanie Spielman, and to carry on her legacy of hope for millions battling cancer. This year’s team was comprised of 145 riders and volunteers who joined together from all over the country to ride in honor of Stefanie and all those affected by cancer, including Chris Spielman who rode his first Pelotonia in his late wife’s memory. The funds raised in 2012 bring Stefanie’s Team of Hope three-year total to over $822,000.

“The success of our peloton is a direct reflection of the impact Stefanie made in the lives of countless patients, their families and the community as a whole,” said Shannon Peterson, the founder and captain of Stefanie’s Team of Hope. “Stefanie was an early supporter of Pelotonia, she was very excited about the significant funds the event would raise for cancer research. She would be thrilled and grateful for what this team and the entire Pelotonia community has accomplished in the fight to end cancer.”

This year’s Pelotonia ride raised over $16.8 million bringing its four-year total to $42 million.

“In a sense, Pelotonia builds on Stefanie’s tremendous work to heighten awareness about cancer and raise money for research at Ohio State, where we continue to pursue our vision of a cancer-free world,” said Michael A. Caligiuri, MD, director of Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center and CEO of The James. “Her grassroots efforts are reflected in Pelotonia as we take it upon ourselves to stand up to this disease in its many forms by generating the kind of money it takes to fund sophisticated research that translates to better treatments and prevention strategies.”

Peterson believes Stefanie’s Team of Hope will one day raise millions for Pelotonia.

“Through an indomitable spirit and determination, Stefanie’s Team of Hope proves each year that they will not sit back and simply accept the devastation of cancer,” said Tom Lennox, Founder and CEO of Pelotonia. “Rather, the STOH Peloton is an incredible group of selfless riders who challenge each other to exceed fundraising goals to support as much research as possible. Simply put, without their significant contributions to Pelotonia, progress in the lab would be meaningfully limited. Their positive attitude and relentless mindset inspires each of us, as Stefanie Spielman did so often, to do more.”

“A huge thank you to everyone who was a part of Stefanie's Team of Hope,” said Chris Spielman, Stefanie’s husband “Together we raised a tremendous amount of money to give our researchers the necessary resources to "Continue to Fight." We are the foot soldiers in the fight against cancer.”

About Stefanie’s Team of Hope

Stefanie's Team of Hope is a community of people who have joined together from all over the country to ride Pelotonia in honor of Stefanie Spielman and to carry on her legacy of hope. We will ride in honor of Stefanie and all those affected by cancer until we live in a world that's cancer-free.

About Pelotonia

Pelotonia’s mission is to fund life-saving cancer research. Pelotonia is a three-day experience that includes a weekend of cycling, entertainment and volunteerism. 100 percent of every dollar raised goes to cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

Contact:

Shannon Peterson

Founder and Captain for Stefanie’s Team of Hope

Shannon.peterson@me.com

614-226-4675

Stefanie’s Team of Hope profile on pelotonia.org

http://www.mypelotonia.org/team_profile.jsp?MemberID=49499