The Palmetto Peloton Project, or P3, exists to promote the advancement of cancer research and advocacy locally, regionally, and nationally through cycling events. The president and organizer, Kevin Dunn, began fundraising through cycling after he and other friends lost loved ones to cancer. Since the inception of P3 in 2005, the volunteer-led group has raised more than $330,000 to benefit Greenville Hospital System (GHS) Oncology Research Institute Clinical Research Unit, as well as the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

 

“P3 was started as a way for the cycling community to give back something tangible to the Upstate. Cancer was chosen because it seemed to impact everyone; all of us had a cancer story,” says Dunn, an insurance agent who lives with his wife Sally in Greenville.

 

Fundraising and rides take place in the Upstate and across the country. In 2008, P3 added an annual relay from Greenville to Austin, Texas, to their schedule, which already included the Stars and Stripes Challenge Ride (August 28th) and smaller rides across the Upstate. Riders and support staff commit to raising a specified minimum amount to participate in these events.

 

P3 volunteer and Greenville Hospital System employee Lisa Barwick shares why she participates:

 

“I think about these individuals, millions impacted by a cancer diagnosis, losing their ability to do what they love to do – temporarily or permanently, physically or emotionally. I became involved with P3 because through my cycling hobby, something I love to do, I can change the future for cancer patients and survivors. My volunteer efforts are really minor compared to what they go through.”

Dunn hopes that the advancement of treatment and care would have an impact by making cancer less debilitating; thus, P3 funds cancer research, advocacy through the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and oncology rehabilitation. In 2008 alone, P3 raised more than $175,000, with $105,000 shared by the Oncology Research Institute, Cancer Research Unit, and other vital programs at GHS.