My arrow is a mosaic of all the photos I've taken since 2013 while fundraising, training for and riding in Pelotonia. From the country roads I've trained on... to opening ceremonies with my husband... from the sun breaking over the downtown skyline while waiting at the start... to seeing my mom (a cancer survivor!!! I can’t say that enough) with my twin boys at the 100-mile finish line... I'm grateful for everything the Pelotonia experience has given me and am looking forward to what else awaits me on the 2019 ride!—J G.

—Alison R.

—Marie G.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. After radiation I am cancer-free for 3 years. Everyone at the James was so caring and compassionate to me and my family during that time. So now, I volunteer there; am on James Committees; and helping others that are patients. My husband just completed 180 miles. Thanks to the Pelotonia research can continue until there is a cure.—Karen A.

—Lola L.

—Drew R.

—Sarah H.

—Lily

—Lauren S.

As long as the sun rises and sets...there is hope. Please share for my hubby, Scot!—Karen M.

—Jared S.

—Kevin S.

—Drew H.

—Stephanie F.

—Courtney K.

At Donatos, we are extremely proud of our team, Powered by Pepperoni, that has raised over $400,000 over the past nine years through its involvement with Pelotonia. We are working towards even more participation and would love to raise $100,000 on our tenth anniversary this year. Our promise at Donatos is to serve the best pizza and make your day a little better. As we all work together to end cancer, that would make all of our days a LOT better!—Dave P.

—Breanna Q.

The theme of my arrow is Pokémon. I love Pokémon.—Ben Z.

—Bella J.

Riding in Kid's Pelotonia made me feel as happy as I am when I see a rainbow. It was fun to help raise money for cancer treatment while riding with other kids.—Aubrey J.

In the late 1960s, my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. She died in 1970 and as a 15-year-old, I helped her change her bandages. It changed my life view. My two daughters and I walked or ran in Revlon Walks in NYC or Susan G. Komen races in Columbus, OH to raise money for cancer research over the last 22 years. In 2016, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the lowest point of my life, I discovered you can still learn and grow and thrive. Art therapy distracted me from the scary unknowns I would face and gave me a new life after cancer. Now I use my art to raise funds for cancer research. And my youngest daughter rides in the Pelotonia to raise awareness. I feel our family has come full circle.—Christine G.

Both my parents have had skin cancer multiple times but this is to all the people my mom met while working as HR for all the cancer surgeons at the James.—anonymous

—David G.

I have been an ongoing patient at The James for more than 7 years with metastatic Head and Neck Cancer and Rider in Pelotonia for 6 years. This has provided me with first hand experience of the massive amount of dedication and efforts from people in many capacities that works every day to help our cause. CURE CANCER!!!—Terry K.

I'm always on the lookout for socks that feature bikes or arrows in the design. I had to copy and splice a few copies together in order to fit into the template.—Bud A.

Throughout my life I have sat and watched family and friends struggle with all types of cancer. I always prayed for them to get better, but that only goes so far. I learned from Pelotonia that I can raise money by doing what I love to help stop this disease. When I was around 8 years old, my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was treated, and it never came back, but dies in later time due to other complications. This took a chunk of our lives away. Now my grandpa has skin cancer. This time I have a chance to speak up and I will make a change to help him and others. Nana, papa, aunts and uncles, this is for you all.—Ava F.

—Ethan F.

My father passed away after a short, unexpected battle with cancer in February of 2018. To honor him, my brother and I decided to ride in our first Pelotonia. Between us, we raised over $7K for the cause. When it came time to ride, I wanted to wear something special. I've always been a big fan of Superman, and I feel he is a symbol of endless optimism and hope. I was the guy dressed as Superman. It was amazing to have so many people along the route cheer for me, shouting 'Go Superman!' When my legs were tired, their cheers kept me going. So that is my arrow, the ultimate symbol of heroism, to honor the heroes who fight this disease every day.—Patrick. R

—Nico

—Mark F.

Every year I ride for my mother, who lost her life to liver cancer at age 56 in 1985. Many years ago she instilled in me the love of sewing. In 2012 I began making quilts to raffle or sell to fund my ride. This arrow includes fabric from each Pelotonia quilt I have made. It also includes fabric from the Pelotonia 2019 quilt.—Denise W.

—Kyle S.

My arrow was designed to remind me why I ride. Each color represents a different type of cancer and the initials are to honor and to remember the people in my life who have had to endure this pervasive disease. All of the names are at the back of the arrow–all pushing toward One Goal.—Jeanette S.

Having multiple family cancer survivors, the continued research for future patients from dedicated doctors at The Ohio State University make this possible.—Clint A.

My mom and grandmother are battling cancer so I made them an arrow for breast and pancreatic!—Bill Z.

—Lucy H.

—Mark F.

The story of my arrow has been a long one in the making. My arrow is inspired by my father, who we lost 6 years ago to renal cell carcinoma. He was a second-generation owner of the family hardware business, Daugherty Supply. The 'store' was located in Mineral Wells, WV (just south of Parkersburg, WV). This year, for Pelotonia 19, I have worked with my good friend, who is also an incredibly talented artist, to create a one-of-a-kind, custom jersey for the ride. The entire jersey is inspired by my father and his hardware store. This year I will be riding…sponsored by my Dad. The arrow contains many of the tools found in his hardware store. His store was located near the interstate and always sported a very large ‘happy face' for the passerby...hoping to brighten their day. If you notice, the arrow sports a 'hidden' happy face for the same reason. Hope you enjoy!—DJ D.

My mother was diagnosed with sarcoma in 2010, went into remission, and was diagnosed with sarcoma and endometrial cancer earlier this year. The sarcoma cancer ribbon is yellow whereas the endometrial cancer ribbon is peach. I wanted to honor both of those when I chose the color scheme. I chose to use a sunrise background to signify a new beginning and a brighter tomorrow in cancer research.—Laurel D.

My arrow represents frayed nerves, unraveling lives, & families torn apart by cancer. I am riding toward a time when bodies can remain whole & strong, undamaged by this heartbreaking disease. I dedicate this arrow to the seven loved ones I have watched succumb to cancer. Their fight will never be forgotten.—Barb T.

—Mindy S.

My arrow symbolizes breast cancer and the journey of cancer.—Sara E.

I designed this arrow because it reminds me that we are all intertwined together, like a patchwork quilt. Each seam depending on the next for strength and stability. One Unit, One Community, One Group, One Peloton, One Organization, moving forward together in One Goal: To End Cancer.—Marci M.

2019 is my 9th year volunteering to care for the riders on the route. Our water stop in Granville is filled with hospitality. Several years ago we added dill pickles to our rider treats. Pelotonia means serving others, including pickle juice shots and pickles to go.—Janice L.

There are 27 names listed on this arrow. Family & Friends that have fought, are fighting and some that are supporting those that fight. They have given me the strength, courage and inspiration to ride in Pelotonia. Sadly each year my list grows—hopefully some day soon we'll find a cure! —Michelle W.

My arrow IS my daughter who was in the sixth grade when I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. She gave me an absolute direction to do what I needed to do to live. My daughter alone was there to give me daily unconditional love and showed bravery beyond her years on some very difficult days. This arrow is pieced together from a watercolor that she made for me on Mother's Day 2007 that read, 'We Shall Overcome'—Laura W.

While cancer is nothing new, it was my own personal diagnosis that opened my eyes to the breadth of cancer. I was fortunate; I had an amazing support group that helped me through it. Unfortunately, not everyone is so lucky. Cancer does not discriminate—it impacts all of us, and all those around us. My arrow shows how cancer knows no bounds, from our family and friends, to our neighbors, mail carrier and barista, cancer is sadly everywhere. As a result, it also shows how it continues to take all of us to bring cancer to its rightful end. It's also the meaning behind our team name, Team CYA. Sure it's a play on words and a way to make fun of my colorectal cancer diagnosis 8 years ago, but with diagnosis rates at all time highs, donating to our team is also a way to CYA. Consider it a down payment toward your future well being and so more people experience the positive outcome I've been so blessed with. #ONE GOAL #ENDCANCER —Kevin M.

—Joe H.

—Jenna C.

The journey of cancer is not linear. It is also not static. There is forward momentum, followed by perhaps a questionable test result, or suspicious x-ray—in which your forward movement is halted... and you wait for secondary testing, represented by the scary and blank unknown... and a diagnosis that can flip that momentum completely around. But only for a while. Until you gather your tribe of family, friends, loved ones and friends you have yet to meet on this journey. This tribe is only made bigger as they join to support you and your medical team in your journey against cancer. It is the entire tribe that makes up the singular larger arrow that will conquer cancer.—Monda D.

—Patty's Dance

I started riding 3 years ago to support cancer research. For me it was a life changing experience that can be best summed up by my first riding partner, colleague and friend, Jeff. He said: “Despite the fact that we were trying so hard to give, in the end we were the ones who actually received. We received the gifts of love, appreciation and accomplishment. And we made a difference.”

I had the opportunity this spring to tour the Biomedical Research Tower at the James Cancer Hospital (who receives 100% of the funds raised by Pelotonia) and it was amazing. I got to meet and see the research being done by these brilliant people and hear the stories of what they are accomplishing. One story of a woman who had been told she had 6 months to live and was cancer free by the end of that 6 months due to an immunotherapy program that was developed just for her based on her DNA. It was just mind boggling and inspiring. It was also interesting that every physician who works there rides in the Pelotonia and the head of the group rides the full 200 miles (he said he is sure that he is the last person to finish but he just signs up for the longest distance that they offer). Not all of the stories are that positive but with the $184,000,000 that Pelotonia has raised and donated to cancer research progress is being made.

With this knowledge, I made a promise to myself that I would continue to do it as long as I was able. I offered to add names to my jersey to honor the survivors, fighters and those that have passed on. The names on my arrow are the same on my jersey. The list keeps growing and I ride now so that there will not be any more names to add. One Goal!—Mike S.

Fundraising is a family affair; don’t discount the important lessons you are teaching your kids. In a little less than an hour, my kids were able to raise $150 for cancer research at The James by selling candy buckeyes at a Pelotonia party. My children actively participate and talk about the importance of Pelotonia in our community. It makes me a proud rider & father that my 3- and 7-year-old represent our Pelotonia family. —Kevin V.

ONE more dollar. Maybe ONE day that’s what it will take to reach that ONE goal. It probably won’t happen like that but we have to keep working toward it with ONE more rider, ONE more mile, ONE more donation, ONE more volunteer, ONE more Pelotonia, ONE more researcher, ONE more clinical trial, ONE more survivor. ONE day…no more cancer.—Kelly W.

Music has been a lifelong love and my college major—my primary instrument was voice. So in 2015 when I was diagnosed with Stage 3 oral cancer and told I'd have a portion of my tongue removed and radiation, I was devastated. I didn't know if I'd be able to sing after treatment and I had the same worries again in 2018 when the cancer returned and my tongue was reconstructed with tissue from my forearm. I kept singing anyways and my arrow represents overcoming this disease and still doing something I love.—Cindy S.

—Tim S.

—Alana V.

—Chen M.

—Brian G.

I’m a central Ohio native, and it’s a big source of pride to be on the #GreatestTeamEver, making a GLOBAL impact on the solution to this terrible disease. My arrow is a nod to my hometown and the surrounding communities along the Pelotonia routes.—Andrew P.

—Bella V.

—Dennis S.

My husband died on 8/22/17 after a multiple myeloma diagnosis in 2005 and many side effects and issues in the interim. We had donated to Pelotonia for several years, primarily to his oncologist and amazing person—Don Benson. I decided to ride in 2018 as a way to honor Mike's life of fitness and his commitment to living. Between 2015 and 2018, we also had his sister die from ovarian cancer at age 59 just 10 months prior to Mike's death, my sister battling colon cancer, my Mom subsequently going through ovarian treatment and both of our dogs were treated for cancer while Mike & his sister were fighting for their lives. My mantra was 'persevere' and I stuck with that for the first year after his death. This year, I found the International Myeloma Foundation 'IMF' wrist band that he never wanted us to wear, preferring to move forward with our lives and not focus on the disease and it's complications. However, that wrist band from 2005 says 'Imagine Moving Forward' and I know that's something he did constantly. As a widow, I strongly object when someone suggests moving on but I can imagine moving forward and I know that Mike would want that—especially when it involves fitness and fundraising for The James and cancer research. I even believe that he may have directed me to the back of that drawer to find the wrist band that would bring me this new focus. So, when asked 'what's your arrow', I knew what my arrow and mantra would be for 2019—IMAGINE MOVING FORWARD. It's important for me personally, for patients who face daily obstacles, for family members who lose loved ones and for researchers who keep trying. I will keep peddling and imagine moving forward—Cathy Q.

Memories for us can gain value in a moment, in the blink of an eye. I grew up with just my mother and I and in February of 2013 my mother was diagnosed with double primaries—both endometrial and ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, she left this world on May 1, 2017 and we had memories lingering of a life time of plans that were supposed to lie ahead of us. In particular, my mom always wanted to travel to Hawaii (to see paradise on Earth) but she never did make it – she was always much more worried about caring for those around her. I was finishing my schooling to become a Nurse Practitioner (where I now work with Oncology patients) during the last few months of my mother’s life. She was still my biggest cheerleader and supporter. To celebrate her life and to celebrate my accomplishments, my mother unselfishly helped plan a trip to Hawaii for my daughter and I. She would say it gave her something fun to do once she was chair bound. A month after she passed, my daughter, one of my best friends and myself took flight to Hawaii and we started our traditions that have carried on to honor my mother. For one, we decided to donate my mother’s shoes to everywhere we travel (so she gets to fulfill her dream of “walking all over the world” and hopefully it helps someone in need as well). Two, my mother was a person of faith and so we have left her items hidden all over the Earth with some pretty great views for her. The intention is if someone finds the item, hopefully it is someone who needs it in that moment. While in Hawaii, unknowingly until we were there, we participated in the Hawaii Floating Lantern festival to honor those we have loved and lost. That’s what is represented in my arrow—spreading my mother’s love and hope all around the globe. So far, “she” is in Hawaii, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Romania. We don’t plan on stopping anytime soon, just like we won’t stop raising funds to make advancements to eradicate cancer. Pelotonia, much like my mother, breeds hope and that’s while I’ll continue to ride. Big hills make for a beautiful view. —Amber H.

—Alexus A.

During the many years of being a spectator of Pelotonia in Granville, we waited patiently cheering on all of the bikers with our cowbells and posters, listening for the Granville church bell to ring welcoming another group of riders. We were watching and waiting for my step-brother or step-sister-in-law to ride in, and we always talked about volunteering for Pelotonia.

In 2018, I heard about Pelotonia needing photography volunteers and I thought "What a great way to be a part of Pelotonia! Sharing my love of photography and being a part of the mission to fund research to end cancer." Besides teaching, my 2 passions are photography and fighting back against cancer. With my husband now being a 17 year, stage 4, melanoma skin cancer survivor I was ready to stop walking in circles and join Pelotoina on their forward path to finding the cure. Friday night, with camera in hand, I helped photograph at the opening ceremonies 2018 and was moved by the stories and the support cancer survivors received by the funds raised through Pelotonia. Saturday, I got out on the course and waited for my step-brother to rise into Granville. We cheered and cried as we celebrated his ride and my step-dad’s cancer free year. Then on Sunday, I spent the hot afternoon snapping pictures of riders as they finished their bike tour.

My arrow represents my involvement with Pelotonia again this year as a photography volunteer. Last year, I truly enjoyed every minute of capturing the emotional journey of the riders and the excitement riders had after completing their bike tour in New Albany. I can't wait until I can do it all again from being the lens this August. —Abby W.

—Kirsten W.

My grandmother lived in Finland where my family is from and had breast cancer and was cured. Then she was diagnosed again and was cured. Finally she had brain cancer. She was one of the strongest, most creative women I know, and I miss her so much. I didn’t get to see her that much, because she lived across the world, but I enjoyed every moment we spent together. The summer house represents Finland and where they lived in the summer. My mom’s mom (my other grandma) died of lung cancer. She lived in Ohio. I loved her so much and I was able to spend more time with her, but not as much as I wanted. I have learned to love and spend as much time with people in my life as I can. I miss them so much but I try to work hard every day to make them proud.

—Jennifer S.

My best friend’s father died from lung cancer. He was one of my role models and he’s helped me a lot. The polka dots represent his bubbly personality. He also really liked polka dots.

As an architectural designer, I always look to push my designs to greater heights. As a cancer survivor, I am always looking to build upon my life, story by story, level by level. My arrow aims to combine these two trajectories. A two-dimensional illustration, but three-dimensional in nature, my arrow consists of fourteen building blocks, or levels, one for each year being cancer-free.—Jonathan G.

—Mike C.

—Alison R.

—Natalee

I chose to represent my Pap–Pap/Grandpa for my arrow. He loved the Pittsburg Steelers so I decorated my arrow black and yellow. No. 84 was one of my Pap–Pap's favorite players. —Marin B.

My uncle has ridden in four Pelotonia rides and ran 350 miles.—Olivia L.

—Steve B.

—Lukas M

—Jonathon B.

—John M.

A friend of mine has cancer and is going through a tough time.—Johnny S.

My story is about my aunt. My aunt got cancer October 20th. She is so brave and so nice and so kind and she does not have cancer anymore. —Addison B.

—Annie O.

—Moneett D.

—Kerger T.

—Alison R.

I have made my arrow like this because my dad has had colon cancer, my two aunts have had breast cancer and my grandpa, grandma, my uncle, my three aunts and my mom have had skin cancer. So I did strips of those cancer colors. I did wheels because of the biking aspects of Pelotonia. I drew the road because most of the riding is on the road and the green arrows because of the classic green arrow. —Natasha S.

—Marie L.

My arrow is made for my daughter, made by my daughter. I don't want their generation to have to suffer like generations before them!—Scott S.

—Molly C.

—Liz L.

—Marie L.

I never met my Aunt Laurie. She was diagnosed with Leukemia when she was 12. In the 1980's when she passed away, most kids with her diagnosis had a small chance of survival. Today, thanks to advancement in medical research, most children with her diagnosis have a high likelihood of survival. Let's keep this going!—Zeal Cares

I work with so many types of cancer cells in lab… it’s actually a beautiful thing—looking into a microscope and knowing the cells you’re holding are getting you one step closer to beating cancer. —Max W.

The idea for my arrow came about from the stories I have heard about people who lose the will to live once they hear they have cancer. I decided that I wanted to combat that thought process with my arrow. I decided on the words, 'Dream Big' because I want my arrow to remind everyone who is affected by cancer and everyone who is workin toward finding new treatments or cures that there is still hope and if we keep working hard we can do miraculous things. —Jessica Y.

Navigator Management Partners is a management and information technology consulting firm headquartered in Columbus, OH. We have participated in Pelotonia for 10 years, raising over $338,000 to date. This word cloud arrow is a compilation of what Pelotonia means to us. —Navigator Management Partners

This image is of bike fabric I had bought. I quilt and plan to make a quilt that represents my cycling excursions. My 55 mile Pelotonia ride last year was my furthest but not my last. This fabric was the inspiration that made me think of making a quilt when I saw it. I'm sure I'll finish all of my training rides and my actual 2019 ride (distance currently unknown) way before I finish the quilt.—Bethany E.

—Olivia H.

My arrow represents the goal by riders to end cancer one mile at a time. The funds raised find cures to save lives!—Margie P.

—Eric O.

—Green Growth Brands

—Kim R.

My Poppy had cancer and survived it. It must have been a very scary time so I wanted to make this arrow for him. The sun represents him having skin cancer. The palm tree represents that he lives in California. The book represents that Poppy and I love to read together. The heart represents that he is very loving.—Morgan G.

I ride for all those who can't. I ride to beat and end cancer. I ride for ONE GOAL! In the words of Lady Gaga, 'Put your paws up' and END CANCER!—Jennifer N.

—Jon Z.

—Jeff Wyler Automotive Family

—Charlie E.

My grandmother was very inspirational in my life. Her family at the time struggled to get to the US from Italy in the early 1900's, passing through Ellis Island to sign on as a US Citizen as many immigrants did at that time. My grandmother passed in 2010 at 96, after having survived breast cancer a few years prior. I am now carrying on her legacy as a member of strong ancestry within the Columbus Italian Club (CIC). My arrow represents the strong will of my grandmother and those members within the Italian ancestral community that have battled Cancer. Thus I have taken the Arrow and imbedded within the Italian Flag. I believe the representation of this Arrow to the CIC will gain many supporters.—David B.

—Vince T

—Annika

I had the privilege of riding my first Pelotonia in 2018. It inspired me as an artist, a teacher, and a person in general. I rode in honor of both my mother-in-law who has beaten cancer 13 times, and my father-in-law who sadly lost his battle with lung cancer in 2013.

When I began riding consistently, my motivation was threefold: To wonder at the awesome beauty of nature, to engage myself in deep and meaningful prayer, and to improve my fitness. I believe the three separate lines that make up the arrow reflect those motivations. The convergence that forms the arrow is an indicator of a new purpose that encompasses the others; to defeat cancer.—Kim D.

My story is about breast cancer and I did this to show that women are strong and that the survivors of this disease should be appreciated for their strength. —Lyla

People with a disease or cancer are very happy people. Also, they are strong, loving, awesome, brave, and smart. I would love to find a cure!—Kenzie M

—Simone A

A superhero named 'Cancer Medicine Guy' helps all the people with cancer survive.

—Grant R.

—Scott P.

—Cameron K.

—Ethan F.

I just like to ride and believe ending cancer is a super great goal and cause. Amazed to see what Pelotonia has done for the community, for health, and for cycling too!—Dennis G.

This photo represents life at its best—a storybook beginning: a childhood full of pure joy, love, happiness, and innocence. I am in the playhouse that my father built for my sister and I from scratch, complete with french doors, electricity, carpeting, and tripled pained windows. Life was simple, carefree, and fun! I was delightfully oblivious to anything but an idyllic life. That would change when I turned twelve and found my father had fallen gravely ill; that night his flu was determined instead to be kidney cancer. Dad would live with cancer for eight more years. He would endure 17 operations. He would lose an eye to a brain tumor. He would continue to play tennis and drive a car, looking handsome and dapper with his black patch. He would be told he would never walk again. He would! He was told that he was terminal from the day of the diagnosis. He defied the odds over and over again. He smiled throughout it and engaged in friendly conversations whenever given the opportunity. He tried all of the experimental treatments. He marveled at his physicians and their expertise. (He would have been blow away by the impact of Pelotonia!) My mom was a rock(still is!) and my brothers and sisters were my heroes (still are!).

I now have my won family and I strive to be for them what my father was for me. I learned from him the importance of positivity. I learned about strength and the immense power of the human mind. The love he showed and the faith he demonstrated still resonate. I learned more from my father in twenty years than some might learn in a lifetime. That beautiful playhouse, that structure, will forever represent the amazing foundation that my father built for my family and I.

This story was not scripted by my parents. They could never known where life would take them. While I long for the naiveté of the child in this photo, I cannot change the story. However, I can do my best to carry on my dad's legacy —my family's legacy. Pelotonia has provided me with an outlet to channel all of the grief that comes with losing my father at the age of 20. I am thankful for each and every Pelotonia participant and cannot possibly articulate my gratitude strongly enough. The Pelotonia arrow has become a treasured symbol full of joy, love, happiness, strength, courage, and belief. Thank you for being the manifestation of the best human qualities! Thank you, Daddy, for building us that sturdy playhouse.—Susanne K.

Lovingly Submitted—Steph S.

My arrow represents some of the emails I have received in regards to someone losing a loved one(s) from cancer. This is a constant reminder of the work that is left for us to do but also a reminder of the impact Pelotonia is making on this community. I included the ten Pelotonia arrows from each year which reminds me of the money we have raised towards cancer research and the lives we have saved.—Janelle G.

—Eric O.

Hamilton Parker has a small but mighty Peloton going into it's third year. We are a distributor of building supplies including tile! This arrow is made from green 4x4 ceramic tile!—Hamilton Parker

Each of the seven years I’ve pushed the pedals in Pelotonia, I’ve done so after pushing myself for a couple hundred miles in the High Sierra. Backpacking, bleeding, soul-searching, getting lost, being found, breathing deep, building myself, building friendships, and building memories. I lead trips and expeditions for Ohio State—both here in the U.S., and abroad; I have yet to find a place as inspiring, dark, mysterious, and haunting as this stretch of land. In many ways, a trek through the High Sierra is much like a ride in Pelotonia; it will challenge you, make you cry, tear you down, build you back up, and wash you clean in ways that simply must be experienced to understand. It will humble you, push you past your limits, and break into your soul. It’s impossible to forget the High Sierra, just as it’s impossible to not remember the cowbells, the posters of loved-ones fought for and loved-ones lost, the cheers to get you up a hill, the finish lines, and THE ONE GOAL of Pelotonia. The photo within my arrow is a shot from last year (2018).—Tyler Y.

—Arica D.

—Jessica R.

The story of the arrow I created is inspired by the imprints that a bike wheel makes. A Pelotonia ride begins and ends on a bike. Every bike and the imprint that its wheels leave on the asphalt tells its own story. Just as those individuals, their families, a community that has been impacted by cancer in some magnitude, every journey is different. The arrow I've created is a storyteller that shows that together in unison, we will push ourselves forward to find a cure, and we won't stop until we do. The more imprints we leave, the more grounds we cover... the more our journey is captured, and the bigger impact we have.—Rafael F.

—Ethan F.

This will be my 8th year participating in Pelotonia. What started as a way for me to cope with my own diagnosis in 2012 quickly turned into a lifestyle. When I reflect back on the past eight years and I think about the experiences I have had, the people I have met, as well as the significance of all my ride weekends, I am full of pride. The words in my arrow are words I have used to describe the power that is Pelotonia—from the people that make up this team to the raw emotion this cause generates. This truly is the GREATEST TEAM EVER.—Shannon R.

—Cathy D.

Everything that comes to mind when I think of my Pelotonia experiences over the years.—Toni C.

When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, I did everything I thought I could do to support him 100% by going to the doctor appointments, chemo, taking off work to care for him after surgeries and other procedures. I felt like there had to be more I could do and thats when I found Pelotonia. To be involved in fundraising knowing 100% of the money was going for research and benefiting so many people, I knew I found what was missing. I'm an advocate for Pelotonia and happy to know I recruited people that are now getting involved in such a worthy cause. I feel like we are all together in this no matter what type of cancer they or their loved ons are going through. We all have ONE GOAL—END CANCER.—Nancy F.

My arrow is called 'VEINS.' I named it this way because I was designing the cells of the body and as I was looking at my hand, I was drawing my veins. The cells are the circles and they fight cancer!—Clara U.

This arrow contains strands of DNA representing both the research aspect of Pelotonia using DNA to find a cure, as well as the future lives being saved, creating more family lineages therefore more DNA.—Rachel M.

Behind these colored ribbons are the many faces of those who we ride for. Each ribbon represents a specific cancer that hopefully, one day, will no longer exist. I ride in honor of my friends who are survivors and those who have passed as well as all of the countless others fighting for their lives.—Christine B.

Team Pau Hana rides for hope. This summer the Pau Hana Swim Team will be hosting the 5th Annual Jill Griesse Memorial Invitational on June 14-16, 2019. The meet is held in honor of Jill Griesse and her many contributions to swimming and the lives she touched through her coaching career and other activities. Jill passed in 2014 from pancreatic cancer.

This Invitational event has become so popular in the past 4 years that the team’s manageable size of 850 swimmers has been reached each year. Many who donate to our event do so not only in honor of Jill but also in honor of their family and friends who are battling or have passed from this dreadful disease.

One of the happiest times of Jill’s life was in 1968 when she founded and coached the Pau Hana Swim Club in Newark, Ohio following her own swim career during which she won both Senior and Junior National Synchronized Swimming Championships.

Jill wanted her team to have a unique name. The name Pau Hana means “your work is finished.” It is a Hawaiian phrase that her coaches would often use at the end of each practice. During her time as head coach for Pau Hana, Jill’s swimmers shared impressive success. Many of her athletes were nationally ranked in AAU swimming including number one rankings in the United States, top finishes in Europe and multiple top 10 rankings in the world. Her swimmers were State High School champions and multiple record holders throughout the United States. Many of her swimmers went on to swim in college and compete at the junior and senior national level.

She also served on the U.S. Olympic Swimming Committee for 18 years and travelled internationally with the Committee.

Jill was the recipient of countless awards, including her 1994 election to the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame, the 2007 Licking County Foundation Everett D. Reese Award, the 2011 Granville Good Scout Award, the 2013 Robbins Hunter Women’s Board Victoria Woodhull Woman of Distinction and the 2013 Central Ohio Technical College Legends of Loyalty Award.

Jill enriched the lives of each of her swimmers she encountered, inspiring them to try a little harder to achieve success. Considered by many a gifted planner, she dreamed up innovative ways to entertain, often fundraising for her favorite causes while sharing pure fun with her friends and family. She left the world a better and more beautiful place, and she was fortunate to be closely connected to cherished friends and family such that her passing was a gentle loss.

We are pleased to host this meet in Jill’s honor and the legacy she left behind. We proudly have donated both in Jill’s memory as well as others who have lost their battle with cancer to the National Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation and also Pelotonia last year. To date we have donated over $23,000 and plan to continue our efforts with Pelotonia with ONE GOAL…END cancer. —Team Pau Hana

The story of my arrow is the representation of fun, joy, party, and life! The arrow is built from bright green candies and small party trinkets all found at a party supply store. I simply wanted to make people smile and evoke happiness. I had so much fun collaborating with my photographer friend, Katherine. We are both employees at The Ohio State University Office of Student Life Marketing. —Sarah S.

I ride for my mom Rachel (1954-2016). I recently heard someone use a hummingbird as a metaphor for a creative being—constantly buzzing, cross pollinating, aerating, making things fresh. A hummingbird is humble and faithfully follows their path without knowing exactly where that path will take them. Since my mom passed away three years ago after more than two decades of fighting ovarian cancer, my family and I have used a hummingbird as a symbol for her energy. How fitting. Each time I see a hummingbird it feels like Mom's way of reminding me that I'm exactly where I need to be, in the present moment. What a gift. Thank you, Mom. 100% of donor dollars go directly to fund cancer research at The James, keeping hummingbirds like Mom spreading love and seeds of kindness everywhere. In the meantime, I just keep pedaling forward. What a gift. Thank you.—Kathryn S.

I have been riding in Pelotonia since 2001. I offered to let my two youngest kids, Emilie (8) and Nathanael (5) color this arrow for me.—Kent D.

Strength in unity.—Jacqui K.

—Mike P.

I'm a nurse and my arrow consists of the green and white medication caps used throughout my shifts.—Brittany M.

I've had many loved ones affected. As have we all.—Trace H.

All four of my grandparents were diagnosed with cancer, and one of my grandpas died from the cancer. I remember our entire family crowding around him on his last day and wishing him goodbye. He should've lived for longer and enjoyed retirement. I know my other grandparents were battling cancer at the exact same time, and my family lived in fear of any of their deaths for a long time. The gray smoke represents the cigarettes my grandpa smoked that were an attributing factor to his cancer, and the Farkle is there because it was his favorite game. The scarf is sort of what my grandma wore when she had no hair. It was a scary and sad time, but I know I'm lucky to have three grandparents.—Sophia V.

This arrow is about the community coming together as a whole for a cause bigger than themselves.—Ethan F.

My aunt died of colon cancer. My arrow represents the ups and downs of cancer.—Gabrielle M.

My arrow is blue and glittery because my aunt had breast cancer and she loved blue and glitter.—Eliza

Beating all Cancers.—Max

—Simone A.

My uncle served in the Vietnam war. He got many different cancers and passed away from them.—Ryann L.

As a company that provides shade systems for outdoor protection from harmful uv rays, it was an honor and fun to design our arrow from our fabrics.—Team LeVeque

My mom had breast cacer and she survived. It was when I was five and I was scared. It was a long, hard, and restless two years but she made it!—Marianne G.

—John M.

My arrow tells about my grandma because she had breast cancer, but thankfully she won her battle and is still alive to tell the tale.—Matthew C.

I drew this because people ride 100 miles to raise money for cancer.—Mikey P.

A friend of mine is fighting a rare inflammatory breast cancer and it’s been hard to watch how much it affects everything and everyone. The women in our community are putting on several fundraising events to help raise funds to cover life expenses and medical bills while she moves through this terrible time. She has three young kids. I draw and doodle in all of my spare time and wanted to use that to offer some beauty into your campaign. My sister in law rides every year and has had multiple people in her family and life pass away because of cancer. I love what the Pelotonia campaigns aim to do. Eventually I would love to work in the non-profit sector and be able to help more! —Patricia L.

Just as no cancer is the same, neither is a fingerprint. The fingerprints on this arrow are from some of my family and friends all of whom have been affected by cancer in some way. We are all part of the Pelotonia Community. We are riders, volunteers, and donors doing what we can to help end cancer. My arrow is not my arrow but instead, 'our' arrow.—Pam K.

—Newman

My brother, my niece and those others on my helmet are my driving force to finish each ride. Each year I continue to put these names on my helmet, and each year I have to add more. My arrow is designed to put faces with those names. People who have lost their fight, those who are survivors, and those currently fighting—these people are special, because their fight is my fight. Pelotonia is our way of giving others HOPE to be on that survivor list.—Rex F.

Every year I ride for my mother, who lost her life to liver cancer at age 56 in 1985. Many years ago she instilled in me the love of sewing. In 2012 I began making quilts to raffle or sell to fund my ride. This arrow includes fabric from each Pelotonia quilt I have made. It also includes fabric from the Pelotonia 2019 quilt.—Denise W.

For the community, Pelotonia represents a journey. A journey of discovery; a journey of survival; a journey of hope. Pelotonia also takes riders on a literal journey through communities bound together by the roots of one common goal.—Tim S.

These are the people I ride for. Cancer has taken several of them and I miss them dearly. The cat is my sister-in-law who said she was coming back as a cat in hat. The rest are lucky to be survivors and it is my hope that the research being helped by Pelotonia will keep them that way—and keep the rest of my loved ones safe and well. It is self-digitized and stitched as an appliqué on my embroidery machine.—Peggy S.

—Nick L.

—NBBJ

If you think cancer sucks, then donate ten bucks.—Nathan O.

I have lost three siblings, my sister-in-law and some very close friends to cancer. All, much too young. This daisy is representative of my sister's favorite flower. A few weeks before passing away, she courageously wrote a positive letter to the family with the final message to 'celebrate and take care of each other.' This daisy has been the constant reminder for all us to remember that life is short and we absolutely must celebrate and take care of each other.—Miguel P.

—Mary F.

For eight years my husband Steve has participated in the Pelotonia Century Ride and I have been there at the start and finish line to cheer on all the riders who have One Goal: End Cancer! in 2019 my husband will again peddle the 100 miles, this year as a cancer survivor and I will again cheer on all of the riders, also as a cancer survivor. We are committed to continue to raise money through Pelotonia to support The James Cancer Center.—Kim F.

The story of my arrow lies with the people I see who are impacted every day by cancer. When I began to think of who was effected, I couldn't think of anyone who was NOT. Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt, Uncle, Daughter, Son, Sister, Brother, Friend, Colleague, Niece, Nephew, Granddaughter, Grandson, Cousin... I know people in all of these categories who were effected in one way or another by cancer. My mom, my grandparents, my friends, my in-laws. My children were effected by my own battle. Each arrow represents a group of people impacted. There are too many.—Kelly S.

We are all different, so each squiggle is a different color than the ones around it, and we are also alike in some ways, so there are only squiggles.—Julia S.

—Joel K.

I'm not an avid rider. I train for Pelotonia, complete the ride, tell myself I'm going to continue riding through the year, and never do. I think, maybe I'll be a volunteer or virtual rider or just continue to donate to several riders and pelotons... but then registration opens and I'm amped. I remember the reason I ride, the cause that impacts so many lives and I can't imagine not participating. The 'wheel' represents the commitment to the ride, to doing what I can, while I can. Each year of my ride, I've acknowledged the number of people close to me who have/have had cancer. My first ride, in 2014, the number was 19. As of today, the number has grown to 42—the number of wheels I used to make my arrow. I'd love for the number to stop growing but until it does, I'll continue to ride.—Jen B.

Every person on my arrow are people near and dear to my heart who have fought this ugly disease. Some have won, some have lost. Their names are written in the color that represents the type of cancer they fought. These are the people I ride for. I ride so I do not have to add any more names to my arrow.—Jamonah N.

—Gretchen M.

My dad's grandfather died of cancer and always loved stars, so this is for him.—Francis M.

I'm 9 years old. My parents ride! My arrow is filled with bikes and arrows. My arrow is bright because it shows happy Pelotonia riders!—Evelyn F.

—Erica P.

Pelotonia gives me hope. Hope that one day we will live in a world where cancer is a thing of the past.—Emily S.

—Ellen R.

My grandma died from breast cancer—Drew

I have participated as a Volunteer for Pelotonia for the past seven years (Ready for year eight woot woot!). Every year, I have volunteered as a photographer during the ride and I have seen so many moments and have heard so many stories shared. One that always stands out is how AMAZING the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are at all of the rest stops. You'd be surprised at something so small making such a large impact on these riders, but year after year you hear them talking about them. It shows that something small does make an impact just like Pelotonia itself. It started out small and has become this huge community and has made an impact on me and everyone involved. Half a jar of jelly, a quarter jar of peanut butter and multiple sandwiches later, I give you the PB&J Arrow.—Colleen O.

Navigator Management Partners is a management and information technology consulting firm headquartered in Columbus, OH. We have participated in Pelotonia for 10 years, raising over $338,000 to date. The “WE RIDE” arrow contains the faces of those Navigators that have ridden throughout the years. The word cloud arrow is a compilation of what Pelotonia means to us.—Casey C.

The story of my arrow is that cancer touches everyone, every part of your body, everything from the smallest cell to the largest organ. We are fighting for 'One Purpose, a Cure, From Head to Toe'. Every penny counts. From our smallest value of money to our largest donation received. One Purpose—A Cure for Cancer.—Barbara H.

I was scared for my grandpa when he was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. Because of Pelotonia, we are raising money for the medicines that are still keeping grandpa alive today. So that is what motivates me today, to have one goal, and to meet it.—Avery J.

—Ava P.

—Ashley E.

Pelotonia is my spirit animal!—Amy Grace U.

My grandpa had skin cancer and survived. The color for skin cancer is black.—Alexander D.

—LYNDSI M.

I am a 4+ year breast cancer survivor and art educator. I have participated in the event for two years with Team Simply Community, and feel a strong connection to the team and the mission. My arrow is designed with a Celtic symbol for 'Inner Strength.' The symbols connect and intertwine to create a beautiful patter and symbolize the need for us all to work together to fight this battle and find the cure. This ride is all about collaboration. The process is complex but beautiful when we connect and create bonds, friendships, and relationships alone the journey. We support each other to keep pushing, on the ride as well as the fight against cancer.—Rebecca K.