All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Pedal Power: WVU Medicine providers ride in support of blood cancer patients

WVU Medicine providers will ride the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride on June 1 along Lake Tahoe to raise funds for blood cancer research and patient support.
Members of the team “Mountain to Mountain: Crossing the Country for a Cure” practice for their upcoming participation in America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride on June 1. Pictured from left are Dr. Patrick Tomboc, Dr. Konstantinos Sdrimas, trainer Keri Schmidt, Dr. Ashkan Emadi, Samantha Hall, Dr. Carl Shultz, Beth Shultz, Rob Riley, and Amy Romano.

WVU Medicine is going the extra mile – or extra 100 miles – through the mountains in support of blood cancer patients and their families. Providers from the WVU Cancer Institute, WVU Medicine Children’s, and WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital will team up to take part in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride on June 1 along Lake Tahoe in Stateline, Nevada.

America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride, now in its 32nd year, is a fundraising event that takes cyclists on a challenging 35-, 72-, or 100-mile ride around scenic Lake Tahoe. The event supports the LLS, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education, resources, and financial support to patients. WVU Medicine and WVU Medicine Children’s are sponsors for the event. Close to home, the LLS provided $1,054,500 in assistance to West Virginia blood cancer patients and caregivers during its 2024 fiscal year.

Ashkan Emadi, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the WVU Cancer Institute Department of Medical Oncology, is captain of the WVU Medicine team, “Mountain to Mountain: Crossing the Country for a Cure.”

While in attendance at last year’s event, Dr. Emadi witnessed more than 2,000 riders cross the finish line – some rode 100 miles on hand bikes, while others tackled the course only 100 days after their final chemotherapy treatment. This was more than enough inspiration for Emadi, who decided to not only sponsor the event but to also form a team and ride in it.

“As a physician and scientist dedicated to treating blood cancers, I see firsthand the impact these diseases have on patients and their families,” Emadi said.

Emadi will be joined by Konstantinos Sdrimas, M.D., Department of Medical Oncology; Carl Shultz, D.O., Department of Medical Oncology, and his wife, Beth; Samantha Hall, N.P., A.P.R.N., WVU Cancer Institute; Amy Romano, WVU Cancer Institute marketing and communications manager; Patrick Tomboc, D.O., division chief, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, WVU Medicine Children’s; and Rob Riley, division manager in the WVU Medicine Children’s Department of Pediatrics.

Also attending the event but not riding with the team is Bhavana Bhatnagar, D.O., director of the Department of Medical Oncology at the WVU Cancer Institute at Wheeling Hospital. The team is training with spinning instructor Keri Schmidt, the wife of Carl Schmidt, M.D., chief, Division of Surgical Oncology.

“When someone finds out that I take care of kids with cancer, there’s an audible sigh and then they say, ‘That must be so hard,’” Dr. Tomboc said. “My job is not nearly as hard, painful, or stressful as being diagnosed with cancer or having a child with cancer. This ride is a small bit of suffering to hopefully raise money so my patients can have a future.”

During the event, WVU Medicine participants will highlight a pediatric patient, speak on various topics, and present on thought leader panels. Emadi plans to drive to the event, and on his way across the country, he intends to meet and collaborate with colleagues at various stopping points to showcase the programs at WVU Medicine.

“Mountain to Mountain: Crossing the Country for a Cure” has set an event fundraising goal of $100,000. Donations can be made to the team by clicking here.

“Participating in LLS’s America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride is more than a challenge – it’s a commitment to pushing forward in the fight against leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers,” Emadi said. “Every mile we ride fuels research, advances treatments, and brings hope to those battling blood cancers. I ride not just as a doctor, but as a human who believes we can – and must – do more to save lives.”

For more information about the WVU Cancer Institute, visit WVUCancer.org. For more information about WVU Medicine Children’s, visit WVUKids.com.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

City council to review water board’s recommendation for new water treatment plant

The Buckhannon Water Board has recommended moving forward with a new water treatment plant and related infrastructure upgrades, sending a proposal to the city council for approval.

Gail Lovel Zickefoose

Gail L. Zickefoose, a dedicated educator, community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at age 83 after a long illness, leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to others.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming July 15, 2025, meeting.

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.

BCT to light up the stage with Mamma Mia starting this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present the musical Mamma Mia! at the Colonial Arts Center starting July 12, featuring ABBA hits, lively performances, and a cast assembled from across the region.