My mom is a breast cancer survivor. Early detection saved her life.
My Best Friends 14 year old daughter was diagnosed last year with Ewing's sarcoma. She was treated by oncologists at Roswell and is a survivor.
I've lost people to cancer, waited for cancer results, known others who have lost kids and spouses to cancer. I still cannot imagine the words you have cancer and how in an instant your life is changed...although I know life can change in an instant.
I have done Empire State Ride for 4 years. After my bike crash it was the first thing I signed up for, in my hospital bed. Because the people I met riding in 2019's ride that shared their stories, their "why". Whether it was them or a loved one, it was personal and deep. it hurt. I knew I would never not do ESR. As it's the best tribe in the world. Making a difference and riding our bikes doing it.
I know cancer isn't an if it's a when. We all know someone affected by cancer.
Some of my proudest moments are serving on the Roswell Park Alliance board. Because I know every dollar we raise, whether we are riding or contributing is going to much needed research.
I know that someday in my lifetime, there is going to be a day where we don't go to our Annual exams or feel a lump that isn't normal, as anxiety stirs of the unknown and waiting for test results that confirm "you have cancer" I know that someday the money we raise today, allow the research to be done and trials to be funded that are changing the way we treat cancer.
I know this, not because I am a dr., or scientist. Or anything close. I know because I sit with some of the most brilliant humans to review proposals that have been peer reviewed by the best Dr.'s and Scientists in the country. I believe in Roswell.
I'm so grateful for all of you that continue to support our efforts to change the words "You have cancer" from the feeling of omg I'm going to die, to "Let's cure this Bitch", words from the late Teresa Marie Crawford-Teresa, we will...
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