ASHLAND – Cancer survivor Nancy Wasen has fought “the beast” and lived to tell the story. Spurred by her own survival story, Wasen is determined to give back and help in the fight against cancer. Her efforts have taken many different forms in the years since her battle, and this weekend, she is volunteering at the Pelotonia fund-raising event in central Ohio.
In September 2010, Wasen was diagnosed with stage 4 head and neck cancer. What followed was seven weeks of treatment at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital that included 35 radiation treatments and 7 rounds of chemotherapy. Following her treatment, Wasen was declared cancer-free, a status that continues to this day.
“I am living proof that stage 4 cancer can be beaten,” Wasen said.
Pelotonia is a three-day event with cycling, entertainment and volunteerism that was started in 2008 with the goal of funding life-saving cancer research. According to the event website, the event has raised more than $106 million for cancer research in its first seven years.
This year’s event kicks off Friday with an opening ceremony. The riders get under way Saturday and can tackle 25-, 50-, 100-, 130-, or 180-mile courses across central Ohio. Riders stay overnight at Kenyon College in Gambier before continuing their rides on Sunday. Every rider must commit to raising a set amount of money for cancer research. The amount varies depending on the length of their rides.
Wasen said that before her own battle with cancer, she had only heard the name “Pelotonia” but didn’t know much about it. That changed three years ago when Wasen was contacted by Justine Boggs who was heading up the “I Ride for You” program for Pelotonia. The program, founded in 2013, pairs riders with cancer survivors. The riders dedicate their rides to their partner.
“I quickly learned about the big race and was excited to be a part, no matter how small, to help raise money for research,” Wasen said.
After watching the race the past two years, Wasen was convinced by a fellow cancer survivor to play a bigger role this year.
“The first two years, I just went as a spectator to watch my match, Anna Maria Bittoni, who quickly became my awesome young friend,” Wasen said. “She and her sister and parents ride each year.”
Wasen said she helps raise funds for Bittoni, who now works at the James, and her team – Team Buckeye. Wasen’s oncologist, Ted Teknos, also rides each year.
Stationed in Gambier, an endpoint for one leg of the race, Wasen will help serve meals and beverages to the riders.
“To say I’m thrilled is an understatement,” Wasen said. “I will also be able to take a break to watch my Anna Maria when she crosses the finish line.”
Just as the riders will follow a route during Pelotonia, Wasen’s life has take a very different path in recent years than she had ever foreseen, but she is stronger than ever.
“I have come full circle. A cancer which should have taken my life has instead given me a rich and full life after beating ‘the beast,'” Wasen said.
Wasen encouraged others to get involved and to see the impact the riders have on the survivors.
“For those of you who have never attended, I encourage you to come down to Gambier this Saturday and see for yourself these people who make me smile and cry as they are each riding for someone they love who is battling or has battled or maybe they themselves have had cancer. It is a day filled with love, hope and inspiration,” Wasen said.
