Pan Ohio Participants: Join ACS CAN for Ohio Cancer Action Day on May 7, 2024

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Ohio – ACS CAN is asking Pan Ohio Hope Ride participants to attend Ohio Cancer Action Day on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, and hopes we’ll bring our bikes in a show of support for the Cleveland Hope Lodge! 

Join with other cancer advocates, survivors, and caregivers from across the state to speak with Ohio lawmakers about making the fight against cancer a top priority. Ohio Cancer Action Day provides an opportunity for you to share your cancer story, ask lawmakers to improve Ohioans’ access to cancer care through biomarker testing and copay accumulator legislation, and rally support for a request of $170,000 from the capital budget for structural updates to the Cleveland Hope Lodge. 

Pan Ohio cyclists are invited to gather (time/location details pending) for a short group ride to the Statehouse around 10am for an ACS CAN capital budget press conference. Even if you can’t join for the full day and speak with your legislators, you can make a statement just by riding your bicycle to the Statehouse steps.

• Hosted by: ACS CAN Ohio
• Register:   Sign up for free at fightcancer.org/Ohio 
• Day/Time: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 | Check-in 7:30-8:30 am
• Location:   Sheraton Columbus Capitol Square
• Address:   75 East State Street – Columbus, Ohio
• FB Event:  fb.me/e/1MF4nSFMc 
• The Ride:  Email PanOhioInfo@cancer.org if you plan to ride with us

Keep an eye on our social media for more Ohio Cancer Action Day details, including ways to get involved even if you can’t join us in person! 

Learn more about ACS CAN at fightcancer.org.

Join ACS CAN Ohio at the Cleveland Hope Lodge for Lights of Hope on October 3

[Photo by Darrell McGrath]

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Ohio – ACS CAN advocate Barb Diver, in cooperation with Cleveland Hope Lodge Manager Cara Stock, is hosting a local Lights of Hope display at the Hope Lodge tomorrow, Tuesday, October 3, starting at 6:30 pm.

All are welcome to attend, and event guests will be able to tour the Hope Lodge (located at 11432 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106).

For Pan Ohio Hope Ride participants, this event provides an opportunity to see the Lodge, including recent renovations, and get an understanding of what our fundraising event supports. 

Lights of Hope (luminaria) displays serve to honor and memorialize loved ones impacted by cancer, while raising money to support the mission of the American Cancer Society and the ACS CAN.

Biomarker Testing and the Ohio American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

ACS Chief Science Officer Dr. Bill Dahut addressed his fellow Pan Ohio participants during the event’s Recognition Dinner at the University of Dayton on July 22, 2023, about advances in cancer research.

During the 2023 Pan Ohio Hope Ride, we were privileged to hear from first-time POHR rider AND American Cancer Society Chief Science Officer Dr. Bill Dahut. In addition to calling the Pan Ohio Hope Ride the best bike ride he’s ever been on, he spoke about cancer research and tests that enable doctors to develop customized treatments for the individual patient to help their body fight cancer through its own immunity and cells. 

Julie Turner and Sarah Morris, both cancer survivors and employees of ACS CAN Ohio, shared their stories and spoke about how Ohioans can advocate for cancer prevention, detection, research, and treatment.

We also heard from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) – Ohio members Julie Turner and Sarah Morris about the work they’re doing right here in Ohio to remove barriers to such lifesaving tests and screenings, and the actions we, as citizens, can take in a matter of minutes to support that work.

This brand new video (y en Español) by ACS CAN provides just one example of how a test for biomarkers helped save a man’s life when traditional cancer treatments were ineffective.

Cesar Serrano, cancer survivor, explained how a test for biomarkers saved his life!

Proceeds from the 2023 Pan Ohio Hope Ride will support the operational budget of the Cleveland Hope Lodge, which helps patients directly in the midst of their individual fight against cancer. Covering the operational budget of this critical patient service, frees up other ACS funds to support patient services, screenings, education, and research that helps patients like Cesar Serrano.

Donate at pohr.org to help patients now AND in the future. 

Then, learn more about biomarker testing at FightCancer.org/Biomarkers.

Thankful Thursday: This isn’t goodbye…it’s see you in July!

As is the case with most announcements of this type, it is with mixed emotions that we share the news that Sarah Morris has accepted a new position as the Ohio Grassroots Manager for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), effective November 28th. 

For the past five years, Sarah has been a staff leader in our epic Hope Ride fundraiser, which veteran participants know makes her more than staff – it makes her family. We are delighted to see Sarah grow and advance professionally, but, of course, her experience, dedication, talent, and passion for the event and cause will be greatly missed. 

Supported by our volunteer leadership team, we feel confident that POHR staff members Chris Bowles, Alyssa Hancock, and Olivia Lenhard will carry this event forward with great success this year and in years to come. While ACS is working to fill Sarah’s vacated position as Senior Development Manager, onboarding an outside candidate will take some time. You can still reach out to staff via the PanOhioInfo@cancer.org email address. 

While Sarah will not be joining us as staff in 2023, she has excitedly registered as a one-day rider, so we can avoid tearful goodbyes knowing we will see her again in July. Additionally, we would encourage everyone to learn more about ACS CAN and get involved in the work they do to help cancer patients and their families, not just in Ohio but across the country. We know Sarah will shine in this new role, and together, we can help put an end to cancer as we know it, for everyone!

Congratulations, Sarah! We are so thankful for all you have done over the years to support our ride, fundraiser, and participants, and we wish you all the best in your new role!

Your #PanOhioFamily