What happens when 7,500 cyclists, 3,000 volunteers, and tens of thousands of spectators come together for a common cause? Something truly extraordinary.

Joe Apgar, CEO of Pelotonia and a cancer survivor himself, takes us behind the scenes of the organization that has raised over $320 million for cancer research at The James Cancer Hospital. His personal journey from testicular cancer diagnosis during his senior year of college to leading one of the most successful fundraising movements in cancer research exemplifies the full-circle impact Pelotonia creates.

The magic of Pelotonia lies in its unique funding structure – corporate sponsors underwrite all operational costs, ensuring 100% of participant-raised dollars go directly to research. This model has funded breakthroughs ranging from life-saving drugs to the country's first FDA-approved telehealth clinical trial, which allows patients anywhere to participate without relocating near a research hospital.

New Albany has been instrumental to Pelotonia's success since its earliest days, consistently producing more participants and fundraising than almost any other zip code. The community's embrace of the event – from decorated streets to emotional "spirit stations" where patients thank riders – creates powerful moments that transcend the physical challenge of cycling.

As Pelotonia expands beyond its flagship Ride Weekend to include gravel rides, hiking events, and kids' rides across twelve communities, the organization maintains its laser focus on excellence while evolving to engage more people in its mission. The recent recruitment of Dr. Kimron Rathmel, former director of the National Cancer Institute, to lead The James signals even greater possibilities ahead for cancer research in Columbus.

Ready to be part of something bigger than yourself? Visit pelotonia.org to discover how you can contribute to groundbreaking cancer research through riding, volunteering, or donating to this remarkable community movement.

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What does it take to build a thriving art gallery from the ground up? Hayley's journey offers a masterclass in following your passion against all odds.

Growing up on Long Island with its breathtaking beaches, Hayley developed an early love for beauty and creativity through museum visits with her art-teacher sister. While her corporate marketing career took her around the world, art remained her true passion—using paychecks to buy paintings while friends splurged on luxury cars and vacations.

Life took a dramatic turn when she received a lifetime achievement award in her mid-forties. Reflecting on her father's passing at 47 and her constant travels away from her young children, Hayley realized something needed to change. A synagogue fundraiser where she organized an art auction revealed an unexpected truth: New Albany residents loved buying original art. Just like that, a business plan was born.

The Hayley Gallery opened on November 8, 2007—her father's birthday—with an overwhelming response of 500 attendees. Then came the 2008 recession. Hayley cashed in retirement accounts, sold jewelry, and made countless sacrifices to keep her dream alive, driven by commitment to the artists who trusted her with their work.

Today, the gallery represents 90 diverse artists, each with remarkable stories—from Adam Culp, who creates art inspired by his experience of blindness before cornea transplants, to Sean Augustine, who found healing through art after military service. The gallery has become more than a business; it's a community where artists' stories of transformation inspire visitors and collectors alike.

Come visit the Hayley Gallery, where you'll be greeted by Maddie the gallery dog and surrounded by beautiful, meaningful art in an inviting atmosphere that breaks down the intimidation often associated with art spaces. As Hayley tells visitors, "You're standing in my dream."

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What if the solution to a complex challenge isn't what experts assume, but what users actually need? Aaron Westbrook discovered this truth firsthand, born without his right hand in a world where representation for people with limb differences was practically non-existent.

Aaron's story begins in New Albany, where his family has deep roots going back to the 1940s. As a tech-savvy teenager who served as unofficial tech support for family members, Aaron's life changed when he gained access to his high school's 3D printer. With remarkable initiative, he approached a teacher he'd never met, explaining his research and asking for help. By the end of his sophomore year, Aaron had created his first 3D-printed prosthetic arm—and discovered his life's purpose.

Just three months after high school graduation, Aaron founded Form 5, a nonprofit organization creating adaptive products for people with limb differences. Now celebrating its eighth anniversary, Form 5 has pioneered an approach fundamentally different from the prosthetics industry. Rather than developing expensive, high-tech devices that look impressive but offer limited practical value, Aaron listens to what users actually need for specific activities.

This philosophy led to Form 5's innovative COFAB (Collaboration and Fabrication) workshops, where individuals with limb differences collaborate with college students and industry mentors to develop custom solutions. The results have been transformative—from helping a marching band member hold a trumpet to enabling a woman to ride a bike for a cancer fundraiser.

Form 5's signature innovation, the Bike Arm Adapter, represents a paradigm shift in adaptive technology. Unlike traditional prosthetics that attach to the person, the adapter connects to the bicycle handlebar and features a sizing system similar to shoes. This approach makes the product more affordable, adaptable, and sustainable—outgrown adapters can be returned and repurposed.

Aaron's vision extends beyond those missing limbs to include people with neuromuscular diseases, stroke, arthritis, and Parkinson's. Through Form 5, he's become "the person I needed growing up," creating representation and tools that were missing from his own childhood.

Connect with Form 5 at their finish line celebration on September 13th at North High Brewing in Westerville as Aaron completes his 190-mile fundraising ride from Indianapolis to Columbus, and help them reach their $100,000 goal to expand their life-changing work nationwide.

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