WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Westerville resident Michael Scherer is a financial planner, husband, father and a cancer survivor. 

What You Need To Know

  • Michael Scherer's dad had a rare form of cancer

  • A year later, Scherer found out he was diagnosed with another form of cancer

  • Now, Scherer is cancer-free and is helping to raise money for research through Pelotonia

His Pelotonia story began 12 years ago when he started riding for his father, who at the time had a rare form of cancer.

Little did Scherer know one year later at the age of 26, he would be facing his own battle. 

“I was diagnosed with testicular cancer, so I had surgery and I rode in Pelotonia 2011, two months after surgery. I rode 50 miles,” said Scherer. 

Now cancer-free, the Miami University of Ohio graduate hasn't stopped since, raising more than $21,000 for cancer research at Ohio State's James Cancer Center. 

Pelotonia, which hosts an annual three-day riding weekend, has raised $226 million since it began 13 years ago, according to the organization.

“Just because The James has given back so much to my family, not even knowing The James was going to save my life. I've met so many incredible people and heard so many incredible stories through Pelotonia,” said Scherer. 

Scherer said testicular cancer can be cured, and it's important men educated themselves about self-examination. 

“The scary thing about this type of cancer is it affects you really between the ages of 18 to about 36, and it is aggressive,” said Scherer. 

Scherer and his wife recently launched a public charity called “Worth the Wait” to help adult survivors of testicular cancer who are facing infertility and need help with treatments or don't have insurance coverage. 

As for the race, Scherer said it's great to be back in person post pandemic. 

“When Pelotonia says that it's going to be the best ride ever, it really is. Every single year is better and better,” said Scherer. 

For more on Pelotonia 2021, click here.