This was to be my eleventh Pelotonia riding with teamCOPC, the peloton I have been with since its inception in 2010.  I rode 200 miles for the first time last year and planned to repeat that distance again this this year.  That was until the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the ride for Pelotonia 2020 was officially cancelled.  However, Pelotonia has always been more than a bicycle ride.

As a Central Ohio Primary Care (COPC) internal medicine physician, I would guess that I have witnessed more cancer than most over my years of  training and practice.  Some of this was during the long days and nights I spent in The James during residency at The Ohio State University.  I have also known several close friends who have been diagnosed with cancer and ridden with many cyclists who's lives have been affected by this disease.  Last year, after a decade of riding for this great cause, the fight became more personal for me. 

In early 2019, my father was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).  As is often the case, his MDS progressed to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and he died of complications of the cancer last autumn.  I dedicate my participation in Pelotonia 2020 to my dad, Ronald J. Taddeo, MD.

COVID-19 may have ended our ride, but it cannot stop the battle against cancer.  Being on the front lines against this virus, I know that cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to this infection and they need our help more than ever.  I have been a "High Roller" for several years now and I still plan on raising $5000 this year.  So please wear a mask in public, continue to social distance and help me in the fight to end cancer.  100% of the money raised by Pelotonia goes directly to cancer research at The James.  Please support this important cause.  Thank you!