Real-life drama helps Boves with their efforts to fight the disease

“I think we’ve received enough value from The James to justify any part of it that we have to come up with ourselves,” he said.

Bob and Keri Bove have had no trouble raising money once they explain their motivation to ride in the event: Keri’s own battle with cancer.

Keri Bove, a 25-year-old runner and non-smoker, was diagnosed in March with lung cancer. Thanks to the type of research done at The James Cancer Hospital – Solove Research Institute, doctors knew that type of cancer is cured with surgery alone most of the time, so she was spared the many rounds of chemotherapy that would have been prescribed only a few short years ago.

In truth, they’re not likely to have any of the minimum come out of their own pockets; Keri reached her goal in early July and Bob is about two-thirds of the way there.

“We haven’t really even had to work very hard at it,” Bob said. “We have a pretty good story and that helps.

“I have some friends who are hosting wine tastings, lots of really creative, fun things, but I just sent out a bunch of letters to friends and colleagues and haven’t had anyone turn me down,” he said. “No one minds being asked to donate to such a good cause because everyone’s affected by cancer one way or another.”

Stories of success

• Motivation to help fight cancer trumps fundraising trepidation

• Earning through elbow grease

• Bike jewelry inspires and beautifies

• Pelotonia ideas to get you started: Host a fundraising party at your home

• Pelotonia10: Reasons to Ride