Pedal the Cause has announced the funding of five new pediatric cancer research initiatives at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. These five projects focus on the drivers of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, enhanced treatment for acute myeloid leukemia, and an exciting collaboration with the McDonnell Pediatric Cancer Research Center to accelerate exceptional research projects that currently have NIH funding yet remain underfunded.

“Pediatric cancer research is chronically underfinanced by our federal agencies, and that trend is only getting worse,” said David Drier, executive director of Pedal the Cause. “We are thrilled to partner with the McDonnell Pediatric Cancer Research Center to pool our private funds so that together, we can make greater progress for kids battling cancer. Through the $15 million the Pedal community has raised to support pediatric cancer research, we are proving more answers, more cures, and more hope for our youngest cancer patients and their families.”

In 2024, Pedal the Cause contributed $1,561,474 to St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation, to fund research projects at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and $3,643,439 to The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital to accelerate cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center.

Pedal the Cause is one of the top ten largest cause-related cycling events in North America, having donated over $51 million since 2010 to seed, speed and lead new ideas in cancer research. All – 100 percent – of participant-raised funds support innovative cancer research here in St. Louis, research that would otherwise go unfunded. Over the last 15 years, Pedal the Cause has supported 243 cancer research projects – 186 adult and 57 pediatric.

This year, Pedal the Cause, presented by Edward Jones, returns for its sixteenth year of impact with a diverse lineup of cycling and community events. On September 20 and 21, thousands will gather at the Family Arena for a celebratory weekend of riding, community, festivities and family fun.

Registration is now open for bike riders of all levels, spinners, virtual fundraisers, kids and volunteers with a passion to create a world without cancer.