Riding Apart -Yet Together- for Cerebral Palsy Research

For the last twenty–five years the Pedal with Pete Foundation has sponsored an annual cycling–oriented events to raise funds to support our program of research grants to medical researchers seeking a cure or treatment for cerebral palsy. At the start of this year we had plans in place to hold events in Columbus and Kent Ohio and Emmetsburg Iowa. Based on current guidance from government authorities it does not appear that our traditional format for these events is consistent with our responsibility to protect the health and safety of the participants. 

After careful discussion of various options, the Board of Directors of the Foundation has decided that we should continue the cycling events this year, but with a format that is consistent with current governmental safety guidelines. 

Our mission is focused on funding research activities, but the Board of Directors has decided that this year a significant amount of the funds raised will be directed towards the members of our local cerebral palsy communities that have been impacted by Covid-19. 

Our many volunteers have been working hard, in a context loaded with uncertainty, to provide the framework for successful ride events. Because of the significant differences in the number of participants, the environment of the venue, and the scheduled date, the details for each event will be somewhat different. As soon as the details for each event are available, they will be posted on the appropriate page on our web site, and email notifications will be distributed. 

Thank you for your support of the Pedal with Pete Foundation, and we hope that you will be able to join us for one of our events this year. 

The Pedal with Pete Board of Directors

 

The Pedal with Pete Foundation’s community of volunteers work to raise funds for cerebral palsy research through events that include bike rides and walks, and through other fundraising. Established by Pete Zeidner, who had cerebral palsy, in Kent, Ohio, these events have spread to Columbus, Ohio and Emmetsburg, Iowa.

With the funds raised, grants totaling $50,000-$75,000 per year are awarded to researchers to further their work developing prevention, treatment, and cures for cerebral palsy research that is making a difference for people with cerebral palsy, including 800,000 children and adults in the United States alone.

The Pedal with Pete Foundation reviews research proposals submitted by the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and typically funds two-three research projects each year.  These projects are mostly early stage research work intended to serve as seed projects leading to subsequent research proposals submitted to major funding sources such as the National Institutes of Health. These seed grants are a critical part of the clinical research process.

Since the Foundation is completely run by volunteers and works hard to keep costs down through generous donations of supplies from the community, over 80% of every dollar raised goes directly to cerebral palsy research.

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition usually developed during the birth process, when the brain is damaged by a lack of oxygen. Its affects can range from a small hand tremor to someone who is completely bed-bound. In spite of an advanced case of cerebral palsy, Pete rode a recumbent bicycle great distances, raising money for cerebral palsy research. His perseverance, like that of many others with cerebral palsy, always inspired us.

Please contact us if you’re interested in learning more or would like to volunteer your time or supplies for events, start a new event in your community, or to make a monetary donation.