Pedal the Cause

Pedal the Cause’s mission is to provide critical funding for cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital through an annual cycling challenge. I’ve raised more than $52k in funding for cancer research at Siteman and most of that has been in the past few years with such amazing and generous donors. 

I ride in the memory of Marie Elsner (my grandmother), Dennis Barnidge (father of my sister-in-law Sarah Barnidge Wirth), Father Jack Costello (priest and friend), Fr. Jerry Wirth (my uncle), Tom Wirth (my uncle), Michelle Insco (wife of my neighbor and friend Jeff Insco), Mike Bradley (father of friend Cheryl McCall) and Lisa Lazalier (family friend and wife of Mike Lazier.) I also ride in memory of Andrew Becker, partner of my friend Adriana Perone. I ride in honor of Ann Perkins, my mother-in-law. I also ride in honor of Devin Luetkemeyer, who got to ring the bell two years ago.

I also ride in honor of my friend, Kent Caruthers who has recently gone through fighting a rare form of leukemia. I ride in honor of Madame Kalfus, my daughter’s high school French teacher who learned she has colon cancer and is getting treatment at Siteman currently. 

For the past 13 years I have carried each of these people in my heart and brought many people along with me on my journey. I’ve written tributes and dedicated miles to each person. I’ve had phone calls with those I’ve ridden in honor of who have now moved on to heaven. I’ve received donations and messages from people who I’ve not met before, which I love! I am fueled by your support and your donations make a HUGE DIFFERENCE for cancer research.

However, my 2023 PTC ride took on a WHOLE NEW MEANING FOR ME. And, my 2024 ride was even more poignant.

My dad, Jim Wirth, was diagnosed in August 2023 with Stage IV Spindle Cell Sarcoma. He received chemo, radiation, and immunotherapy treatments at Siteman. Siteman is the very institution that PTC supports. Because Siteman has experts in Sarcoma, he came up from his hometown near Branson, MO for treatments and appointments with his sarcoma doctor, Dr. Marion Weiss. Siteman was an amazing place and the care my dad received along with the compassion was top notch. I am convinced that his doctors' quick actions in August prolonged his life and gave him more time. Spindle cell sarcoma is terminal, but he was able to live for seven more months, something we are grateful for. My dad passed away on March 24, 2024 with family and friends around him. Over those seven months, he was able to hear from so many who loved him through visits and contributions to his Caring Bridge site. 

Prior to my dad's cancer journey, I've felt a strong sense of motivation to lift up all of those who are battling cancer or who have died from this terrible disease. I get a lot of joy out of receiving donations from friends or family as it gives me motivation to ride the 50-67 miles every year during September. I ride each year with the passion to raise money for cancer research and lift people’s spirits. But, only in the past 2.5 years have I truly experienced what it is like to go through cancer. Until you are at the number of appointments, sit in the hospital for days waiting for information, or see your own dad receive chemo, you don’t fully know how cancer drains you and everyone around you. And, this is why you need top notch cancer centers to help people and cutting edge research that Pedal the Cause helps fund! 

So, now I need your efforts to propel me in my 13th Pedal the Cause ride on September 21, 2026! 

I am proud to join Pedal the Cause in the fight against cancer. Pedal the Cause is more than the region's largest cancer fundraiser. It's a way of life, a celebration, a family and a movement fueled by the courage to end cancer.

Please support my efforts by donating to my fundraiser, and give with confidence knowing that 100% of your donation will fund lifesaving cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital.

Thank you for your consideration!!!