Together They Ride, Together They Fight Against Cancer

Vanessa Peoples’ breast cancer journey inspired her office to join Duke Rides, a new indoor cycling event benefitting Duke Cancer Institute

A graphic for Duke Rides

Vanessa Peoples was on her way to a treatment appointment at the Duke Cancer Institute earlier this year when a poster in the hallway caught her eye.

It advertised Duke Rides, a new indoor cycling event dedicated to funding innovative cancer research, clinical trials and patient care to benefit the Cancer Institute.

Peoples, Director of Sponsored Programs Assurance and Research Compliance, scarcely stopped to think before deciding she wanted to take part in the Oct. 3 event at Wilson Recreation Center.

"I had amazing care from my medical team here at Duke," she said. "So my inspiration is really that."

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Peoples immediately messaged a colleague in Duke’s Office of Audit, Risk & Compliance, Na-im Butler. Butler is a Principal Auditor in her office who happens to teach spinning, too, so Peoples asked if he'd join a team.

After he said yes without hesitation, the two spread word through the office’s Microsoft Teams channel. Colleagues signed on one by one, and the result, OARC Cure Crusaders, now includes members from across the roughly 24-person office.

"I've had great support from my colleagues here in the office, checking in on me, seeing how they could help," said Peoples, the team captain. "It really felt good, one, to have them join me in this event, but also a way for us to give back."

Vanessa Peoples
Vanessa Peoples

Peoples has monitored for breast cancer for most of her adult life after her mother was diagnosed with the disease in 2000 and died two years later. Since her early 30s, Peoples has gotten annual mammograms.

A routine mammogram in February discovered early-stage breast cancer. Peoples credits her commitment to vigilance with her annual screenings at Duke University Health System to the early detection. 

"Surveillance works, and surveillance is key," she said.

Peoples went on to have a lumpectomy and chemotherapy, and she is now finishing radiation treatment. Throughout, she said, her office has been supportive as she heals – including being eager to participate in the indoor cycling event.

Duke Rides teams are required to raise $1,000 per bike by Sept. 25 to participate in the event. For Peoples, she said the fundraising came together easily simply by sharing a link with friends, colleagues and family who know her and her mother’s stories. 

As for the actual riding, Peoples isn't worried. Butler has been dispelling myths about spin class along the way.

"We're not training," she said. "We're just out to have fun."

For Peoples, the timing feels meaningful: the ride comes a little over a month after she will have completed radiation.

"It kind of brings me full circle, where I can give back," she said, "and to help support those who are trying to make things better."

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