James Bond and His Wife’s Special 007 Mission to Fight Cancer

In 2005, when Kathleen Bond of Shaker Heights, Ohio came up with the idea of a long-distance cycling event to benefit the American Cancer Society Cleveland Hope Lodge, she didn’t even own a bicycle. And Kathleen’s husband James Bond, a cancer survivor who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 1992, had never done any cycling events.

But through Kathleen’s determination, the 328-mile Pan Ohio Hope Ride from Cleveland to Cincinnati was born in 2007. “I was frustrated that so few people knew about Hope Lodge, where cancer patients who come to Cleveland can stay for free. We needed to do something big. So I cooked up the idea of a bike ride from Cleveland Hope Lodge to Cincinnati,” said Kathleen, who had been volunteering for Hope Lodge since it opened in 1995.

Kathleen worked with fellow volunteer and experienced cyclist Dennis Hoffer of Columbus to plan the event, including the route and overnight stops in picturesque college towns, and 50 cyclists took off on the four-day adventure in July 2007. Her husband James Bond, who was the 7th patient (007) in the clinical trial that saved his life purchased a bicycle and started training. “Lo and behold, he made it and so did all 50!” said Kathleen.

Of course, James Bond’s bib number was 007! Fighting cancer is his mission. He was originally given three years to live following diagnosis, defied the odds, and after 10 years of treatments was advised to seek hospice care. But, said James, “We did some searching and found a clinical trial conducted by Dr. Paul Richardson at Dana-Farber. We scrambled to get to Boston and within two weeks, the experimental drug saved me.” The first-in-its class drug was developed in part thanks to American Cancer Society-funded research.

Following their nine-month stay in Boston, the Bonds became even bigger supporters of the Cleveland Hope Lodge which is one of 31 American Cancer Society Hope Lodge communities in the U.S. and Puerto Rico that provide a free home-away-from-home for cancer patients who travel long-distance for treatment. The Bonds knew what it was like to seek treatment far from home.

Now entering its 17th year, the Pan Ohio Hope Ride has grown to more than 300 cyclists, raising approximately $1 million annually to support Hope Lodge which recently broke ground for a new 10,000 square foot wing which will expand the facility from 31 to 43 guest rooms, providing an additional 4,000 free night stays.

This year’s Pan Ohio goes from July 20-23, 2023, leaving from John Carroll University in University Heights, riding through downtown Cleveland, and finishing at Yeatman’s Cove in Cincinnati.

James Bond retired from cycling after Pan Ohio 2018 but continues to be a top individual fundraiser and a cancer support speaker. He also credits the Pan Ohio with saving his life. After ten years of fighting myeloma with three bone marrow transplants and multiple drug protocols, Jim developed treatment-related leukemia. His doctors were skeptical that he could survive a fourth bone marrow transplant. However, after James demonstrated that he was strong enough to cycle the Pan Ohio, they went ahead with the transplant two months later. Jim is now a 31-year cancer survivor.

Kathleen chaired the Pan Ohio Hope Ride until 2020, then turned over the chair position to a passionate cyclist, Stacy McGrath. “However, I’m still in the deep background as a volunteer. Our volunteers are the story, they are as passionate about the ride and the cause as are our riders and supporters. Many of them travel with the ride all four days, stock and man the water and nutrition stops, and much more,” said Kathleen. “We join hands across Ohio to help our cyclists through every mile.”

To join the Pan Ohio Hope Ride, volunteer, or donate, go to https://www.pohr.org. To support Jim Bond’s fundraising, https://secure.acsevents.org/s...