Thousands of cyclists put the wheels in motion at Pedal the Cause last weekend, raising money to help find a cure for cancer. The 16th annual Pedal the Cause, a St. Louis cycling event with the vision of a world without cancer, took place at the Family Arena in St. Charles on September 20 and 21.
The event raises money for cancer research at the Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Donations are still being accepted through October, but the newly-formed team “WG Warriors” has already raised over $12,000.
The team united in honor of Kelsey MacBryde, a Webster Groves High School student who passed away in 2024 from brain cancer, as well as other friends and family, and the countless nurses, doctors and researchers who make cancer treatment possible. Members of the “WG Warriors” wore pink shirts and rhinestone socks in honor of the late Kelsey MacBryde.
For Kimberlee Bleyer, Pedal the Cause is personal. The Webster Groves resident was diagnosed with melanoma in 2017 and breast cancer in 2024. Now cancer free, she prefers the term “thriver” to “survivor.”
“Everyone responds differently to a diagnosis, and ‘Pedal’ has been my outlet,” said Bleyer, a teacher at Emmanuel Preschool in Webster Groves. “It was personal for a few years. This year, it turned into asking myself how I could do the same for other people who are processing cancer.”
Bleyer served as team captain this year, along with friend and fellow Webster Groves resident Emily Henley.
Impact of the Event
The event has a significant impact on cancer research, providing vital funding for the Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The dedication of teams like “WG Warriors” demonstrates the power of community in supporting those affected by cancer.
Community Involvement
The success of Pedal the Cause highlights the importance of community involvement in raising awareness and funds for cancer research. The event brings together individuals from all walks of life, united by a common goal of finding a cure.