“Every mile I ride is for the fighters, the survivors, those we’ve lost and the generations that follow,” said Huntington’s Yolanda Small. “Until cancer is no longer a part of anyone’s story, I’ll keep riding.”
For one weekend every summer, Columbus, Ohio, becomes a sea of hope, determination and green jerseys. Thousands of riders, volunteers, survivors, caregivers and supporters gather for Pelotonia, one of the nation’s largest grassroots fundraising efforts dedicated entirely to cancer research. Founded in 2008, Pelotonia funds innovative cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. Every rider, volunteer and donor participates with the same goal: to end cancer.
“ That first ride changed me.”
Since 2009, Huntington colleagues have supported that mission by riding, volunteering and fundraising, turning a shared commitment to ending cancer into action. Together, Team Huntington has now raised more than $55 million for Pelotonia, building on Huntington’s distinction as the organization’s largest all-time supporter. The milestone represents more than a fundraising total: It reflects Huntington’s commitment to investing in research that can turn scientific possibility into progress for patients and hope for families.
Huntington is deeply woven into the event’s identity. What participants often describe as the “sea of green” includes thousands of Huntington colleagues, family members, retirees and supporters riding and volunteering throughout the weekend. The organization has helped advance research in areas including early detection, precision medicine, immunotherapy, clinical trials and translational cancer research.
For Yolanda Small, Huntington’s treasury management area sales manager in Detroit, Pelotonia is personal. Both of Small’s parents were diagnosed with cancer at different points in their lives. Her father died from the disease in 2023, the same year she completed her first Pelotonia ride. At first, she signed up as a way to channel her grief into something meaningful. Instead, she experienced a community built on hope, resilience and an unwavering commitment to a future without cancer.
“That first ride changed me. The miles became more than a physical challenge; they became a symbol of perseverance, remembrance and purpose,” said Small. “Every rider had a story. Every mile represented someone fighting, someone surviving or someone we had lost.” Small has returned the past four years to ride in honor of her father, in celebration of her mother’s strength and in support of the countless people and families who have been impacted by cancer. “Pelotonia was founded on the belief that ending cancer takes all of us. That belief keeps me coming back year after year.”
Small’s participation reflects why so many Huntington colleagues ride: Every mile honors someone affected by cancer while helping move lifesaving research forward. Riders from across the U.S. are inspired by the citywide support and, most importantly, by the people whose lives have been touched by cancer. Residents cheer from sidewalks and front yards, while survivors and patients encourage participants along the route, offering powerful reminders of who they are riding for.
Small was just one of more than 300 Huntington colleagues from the bank’s southeast Michigan region to participate in this year’s ride. David Boldiszar, Huntington’s regional banking sales and service leader, spearheads the region’s Pelotonia efforts, bringing colleagues together to ride, volunteer and raise funds while helping ensure the region was represented throughout the weekend. Huntington colleagues and non-colleagues in the region helped raise more than $280,000.
“This is the one event that brings all of Huntington together, demonstrating our commitment to both our community and the cause,” said Boldiszar. “We come together to support our community, and in turn, the community comes out to support us.”
“My grandmother was the first person close to me whom I lost to cancer,” added Boldiszar. “During my first year riding, I saw a sign that read, ‘Thank you for giving us more time with our grandma!’ In that moment, I realized I was helping make a difference, and that is why I return every year.”
For one weekend, thousands of individual stories become a shared commitment to honor those affected by cancer and help create a future in which fewer families experience that loss.
For Huntington, that commitment continues beyond Ride Weekend through year-round fundraising, volunteerism and support for research focused on ending cancer.
“Every pedal stroke is a reminder that progress is possible and that when we come together, we can make a difference,” said Smal