The Mary Hyatt Award recognizes a cancer Survivor who embodies courage, perseverance, and grit, and has been instrumental in advancing the Pelotonia mission through grassroots activism, leadership, fundraising, and volunteerism. 

Shirley Jordan is a 16-Year Lead Volunteer who has been a vital part of Pelotonia since the first year. Shirley’s dedication shines through her leadership of one of the longest Ride Weekend Volunteer shifts: Bike Management at McFerson Commons in Downtown Columbus from Friday morning through Sunday evening. Additionally, she has been a Gravel Day Lead Volunteer for the past two years.  

Despite battling her own cancer diagnosis, enduring multiple recurrences, surgeries, and treatment plans, Shirley continues to show up for the Pelotonia community with an unwavering spirit. This year, just two weeks after having surgery to remove a tumor, Shirley once again led her team of Volunteers for the entire Ride Weekend.  

Known for her positivity and generosity, Shirley’s name frequently appears in event surveys as someone who inspires others to return as a Volunteer year after year; everyone wants to be on her shifts! Shirley goes above and beyond in many ways, whether bringing sweet treats to the Pelotonia office and to her Volunteers or raffling off a handmade Pelotonia quilt to boost her individual fundraising efforts. Through it all, Shirley continually shows courage.  

She faces her journey as a Survivor with incredible bravery and strength, and even as she’s fought a long battle as Living Proof, Shirley humbly considers herself “incredibly lucky.” The Pelotonia community is even luckier to benefit from her volunteerism and so much more! 

The 2024 Pelotonia Awards winners were announced and celebrated at Night of Impact on November 20th. If you missed the event, you can watch the program on YouTube here.