Pedal the Cause Raises $5.2 Million in 2024 for Cancer Research

Rain dampened the bike ride at Pedal the Cause this year, but it didn’t subdue enthusiasm to fund lifesaving cures. The nonprofit raised $5.2 million in 2024 – funds that will go to innovative research at Siteman Cancer Center and its pediatric program, Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Stormy skies on Sept. 22 made it impossible for road rides and spin sessions to take place as planned. However, fundraising continued, and Pedal the Cause participants gathered that weekend for Taste the Cause and other components of the annual cycling-centered weekend.

The $5.2 million total – the most raised in any of the event’s 15 years – was announced Nov. 19 during the Impact Bash check presentation celebration at The District of St. Louis in Chesterfield.

“The Pedal community should be immensely proud of this record-breaking donation,” said David Drier, executive director of Pedal the Cause. “Our 15th year had its challenges, but in the end, we have proven we are so much more than a cycling event. Together, we are a dynamic community mobilized for change and united in our commitment to cure cancers.”

Pedal the Cause brings together donors, sponsors, riders and volunteers for the event in September. Since 2010, the organization has backed 229 research projects, raising and donating more than $51 million to cancer research on behalf of children and adults with cancer.

During the Impact Bash, Pedal the Cause presented its Bill and Amy Koman Founders Award to the investigators, scientists and employees at Siteman Cancer Center. Timothy J. Eberlein, MD, Siteman’s director, accepted the award on behalf of the institution.

“The impact that Pedal the Cause has had in a very short period of time is really unique,” Eberlein said. “Without this incredible partnership of Pedal participants, we would not be able to lead the country in groundbreaking discoveries resulting in advanced treatments for our patients — and more hope!”

Pedal the Cause operates on a venture capital model, funding early-stage research ideas. On average, the supported projects go on to secure an average of $13 in federal funding for every $1 initially invested. These projects have improved treatments and initiated multiple clinical trials at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids. Learn more about Pedal the Cause’s impact.

The generous support of sponsors, led by Edward Jones, ensures that 100% of donations go directly to advancing cancer research.

Looking ahead, Pedal the Cause 2025 is scheduled for Sept. 20 and 21 at The Family Arena in St. Charles. Sign up for Pedal the Cause news and updates for upcoming registration information.