More than $309 million raised since 2009, and 100% of the rider donations going directly to “The James,” The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, is amazing.
But more than the money to fund research, it’s the community of riders, survivors, volunteers, researchers, patients, and donors who are focused on a singular goal – end cancer – that is transformational.
This weekend marked my 12th Pelotonia, and I continue to be in awe of the camaraderie, joy, grief, hope, challenge, and inspiration that is the rider experience. I also continue to be amazed by the broad understanding of, and belief in, their vision to create a cancer-free world.
Everyone involved fully embraces the vision and uses that north star as their motivation to ride one more mile, tackle one more hill, give one more dollar, volunteer one more hour, and so on. It is palpable, and it reminds us of the power of a simple, clear, and compelling vision. A cancer-free world is the future state, and every single person is focused on achieving it.
It’s easy to stay connected to this cause because the entire Pelotonia community is celebrated for its collective impact, and this year’s video highlights that togetherness.
I rode with a dear friend who is a cancer survivor. My bike had a bandana tied around the handlebars that included the names of those who currently have cancer, and are now cancer-free, or who have died from this horrible disease. I wrote names on the “I ride for…” wall at the opening ceremony and on the back of my jersey. I remembered my father, my brother, my aunts, uncles, cousins, and my friends. The litany of names offered as intentions are carried with me long after the ride weekend.
As I reflect on this weekend, I offer sincere gratitude to all the donors who have supported my rides over 12 years – thank you – but I also offer a challenge to each of you reading this column.
- What is the vision statement of your nonprofit? Is it simple, clear, and compelling?
- How do you recognize the collective impact of the people connected to your organization? Is there a sense of belonging?
- Are you overly focused on the need to raise money, or is there a balance with relationship-based strategies, like stewardship and community-building, too?
- Do you have data to illustrate the impact of your mission? Is that data shared widely, and is it outcomes-based or only outputs?
- Are your messages hopeful about what could be, or are they centered on the need for money or the loss of money, or the challenges of today?
When vision is clear, relationships are honored, and impact is understood, you will create a new tomorrow. Let the transformation begin.
