Nearly 300 cyclists rode into Lunken Airport late last month, completing the 2025 Pan Ohio Hope Ride – a four-day, 328-mile trek from Cleveland to Cincinnati that raised nearly $1 million for the American Cancer Society.
The event, held July 24-27, brought in $912,000 for the Joseph S. and Jeanette M. Silber Hope Lodge in Cleveland, which offers free lodging, food and other services to cancer patients and their caregivers who must travel for treatment.
That support hits close to home: the Cleveland Hope Lodge served 32 patients from the Cincinnati area in the past year, providing 586 nights of free lodging and saving guests an estimated $131,850, according to ACS. Nationwide, 57 patients from this region received a total of 1,013 nights of free lodging through the Hope Lodge program.
Dr. Paula Hendryx of Westlake, an OB-GYN, was one of this year’s top fundraisers, collecting over $19,000. She rode in honor of her patients – past and present – from more than 35 years in medicine.
“I have shared in the joy of a new baby and the creation of a new family, and I have also shared the sadness of having to break the news to a patient that they have cancer,” Hendryx said in a statement. “To see the uncertainty and fear cross their face as they process the life-changing news I am giving is heartbreaking. I do everything I can to help them approach their new journey, but the day-to-day stressors are real.”
She went on to praise the American Cancer Society and the Hope Lodge for being there to assist with “some of the real-life issues they will have to face,” such as the always-available help line and the rides to therapy.
“The Hope Lodge … gives shelter and a home-like environment so they don’t have to worry about where to stay when needing prolonged treatment. It’s a real game-changer,” she continued.
Creating hope for those in need
The ride is one of several high-impact events that support the American Cancer Society’s mission to benefit the people affected by the devastating disease across the United States, including Southwest Ohio. For instance, the organization delivered more than 3,200 services to 410 individuals in the Cincinnati area last year.
Two local health organizations – United Healthcare of Ohio and Primary Health Solutions – received part of a $100,000 investment in 2024 to increase cancer screenings and HPV vaccinations. ACS also invested $1.9 million into three cancer research projects at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati.
Local residents have played a major role in making those investments possible.
In 2024, the Cincinnati Men Wear Pink campaign ranked fifth nationally, with 26 ambassadors raising more than $331,000 to fight breast cancer. Other major efforts include Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Cincinnati, which brought in more than $565,000; Fork Cancer Cincinnati, which debuted at Lunken Airport and raised $143,720; and the Cincinnati Golf Classic, which has raised over $6.7 million since it began 20 years ago at Kenwood Country Club.
Local students joined the cause as well. UC’s Relay For Life brought in more than $60,000 with nearly 400 attendees.
More than just a weekend ride
One of ACS’ major statewide fundraising efforts every year has become the Pan Ohio Hope Ride, which includes overnight stays at college campuses across the state and draws a mix of survivors, caregivers and advocates, including longtime rider Bill Wolohan of Cleveland, a cancer survivor and Hope Lodge volunteer.
Since 2007, more than 2,100 participants have logged over 1.9 million miles and raised nearly $15 million to help ease the burden of cancer. The 2024 ride, which wrapped up at Yeatman’s Cove, raised $1,108,538 alone.
Beyond simple fundraising, this year’s bike ride also honored Andy Jones, who died in a solo helicopter crash on March 14, just days after his wife, Amy, passed away from metastatic breast cancer. Jones began riding in 2011 to honor his mother and others affected by cancer. For 2025, he planned to go “ALL IN for AMY,” pledging to raise $29,000 – $1,000 for each year of their marriage – and rallying his Agents of Hope team toward a $175,000 goal.
Before this year’s ride began, participants added pink ribbons to Jones’ bike and carried his jersey across the start line. His team surpassed its goal, raising more than $209,000. Jones has raised more than $21,400 posthumously.
Hendryx praised the resources ACS provides, including transportation, 24-hour support and the Hope Lodge itself.
“The Hope Lodge, which gives shelter and a home-like environment, so they don’t have to worry about where to stay when needing prolonged treatment, is a real game-changer,” Hendryx said. She and many others will continue working toward this year’s $1 million ride goal. Hendryx rides wearing a tutu with ribbons bearing the names of people she carries with her in spirit.
Donations remain open at www.pohr.org.
“I am honored to take them on my journey,” Hendryx said.
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