More than 66,000 people in Georgia are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society’s latest report. The Georgia Cancer Center at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University is working to reduce the impact of cancer through research, care, and education.
Nearly 50 research faculty at the center are focused on developing new ways to treat and prevent cancer. Support from Paceline, an Augusta-based nonprofit, has helped turn donations into grants for these projects.
“The work our scientists do in their labs relies on the passion, determination and generosity of each team and individual who takes part in PaceDay every year,” said Jorge C. Cortes, MD, director of the Georgia Cancer Center. “Today’s research projects can serve as a beacon of hope, fueling our determination to unlock the mysteries of this disease. With Paceline, we will make groundbreaking discoveries, which could lead to new treatment options for cancer patients.”
Since 2018, Paceline participants and donors have raised almost $2 million for cancer research. This funding has led to more than $12 million in additional support from agencies such as the National Institutes of Health.
Although PaceDay 2024 was canceled due to Hurricane Helene, donors still contributed enough funds to support seven research projects. These initial grants help researchers demonstrate that their work deserves further backing from organizations like the National Cancer Institute.
“For the hundreds of thousands of Georgians whose lives have been affected by cancer, we are Paceline,” said Martyn Jones, president of Paceline. “Paceline is a year-round movement of communities and organizations ‘Setting the Pace to End Cancer.’ This movement culminates each year in a casual, fun bike ride, and this year there is a place for everyone because we are also offering a 5K walk-or-run option for the first time.”
Augusta University leaders are encouraging faculty and staff to join Team Jaguar for PaceDay 2025. The event will include bike rides and a new 5K run/walk option on October 5 at Augusta Common. There will also be spin class sessions available during the day.
“There is no need to look elsewhere to find world-class doctors, treatments and clinical trials; we have them all right here in Augusta,” Cortes said. “Georgia has a disproportionate number of cancer diagnoses with poor outcomes, but through its dedication to serving minority and underserved populations, the Georgia Cancer Center is a leader in making progress to change this statistic. We are committed to reaching rural populations to ensure world-class cancer screenings and treatment are available to all.”
Research from the Georgia Cancer Center not only benefits local patients but also contributes knowledge that shapes global standards for cancer care.
“It’s been said that ‘Nothing happens until something moves.’ A ball has to start rolling for change to occur or, in our case, turning wheels to set the pace for better treatments, prevention and cures for all types of cancer,” Jones said. “On behalf of the Paceline community, board and staff, we are very proud that our combined efforts from the past 12 months are once again formally invested in innovative cancer research. Paceline maintains its 100% model whereby every single dollar donated is truly being invested as intended. The ongoing support Paceline receives from the MCG Foundation makes this promise possible.”
