What a year it has been and what a Ride it is going to be. This year not only marks my 25th Ride for Roswell, but also my first Ride as a Cancer Survivor! Last year’s fundraising was beyond any comprehension I could have had and I hope to be able to do it again. I know I have a hefty goal, but with your help I can meet it. One difference between this year and last—I have hair!
When I began riding, the year after my father passed away at Roswell, I never thought that I would one day be riding as a cancer patient or cancer survivor. My connection to Roswell and the support of the Ride for Roswell is two-fold. It began after the phenomenal treatment my father received, when he was a patient. Then, in September of 2021, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Invasive Ductile Breast cancer. Even though the initial tests only showed cancer in one breast, I opted to for a double mastectomy. I am so thankful I did, because the pathology showed the cancer in both breasts; even when the doctors went back and looked at my tests results, there was no signs of cancer, it only showed in the pathology of my tissue, after the mastectomy. I have undergone 20 weeks of Chemo, 2 surgeries and 6 weeks of Radiation. My journey continues, as I continue on medication and deal with side effects of medications, as well as shortness of breath due to the radiation. Throughout my adventure, I feel blessed to be able to be treated at Roswell and never once have I asked, “why me?”, because the answer would be “why not me”. As part of my treatment, my case was put in front of a panel of 45 doctors, to decide on the best course of treatment, as my case was so unique—another reason I am thankful for being treated at Roswell.
Both of my parents have been patients at Roswell, in fact one year, my brother and I checked my mom out of the hospital on a Thursday and on Saturday, I rode in her honor! Having this Roswell connection in common with my parents isn’t something I ever wanted, but we don’t have a choice in these things. I have had numerous friends and family members (in addition to both my parents) that have been directly affected by cancer, including my niece Maria, my brother-in-law Joe, friends Julie, Marti, Linda, Lisa, Larry, Robin, Jerry, Jim and so many more. We are at a point, that I don’t think there is anyone who hasn’t either be directly affected or have someone one time removed that has been diagnosed with the disease.
I often say how blessed I am to have such great medical care so close to me, but even those across the country benefit from Roswell. Roswell is not only a great facility for treatment, but also for research. Roswell developed the PSA test (early detection for Prostate Cancer), as well as the first chemotherapy clinical trials. People travel from not only other states (at last count, over 35 different states) for treatment, but also from other countries. Everyone, anywhere that has been diagnosed with cancer or been tested for cancer can benefit from Roswell.
Please consider sponsoring my in my mission to aide in eradicating cancer from out world. All donations go toward clinical trials, innovative research and quality of life programs, with over 400 clinical trials currently. No donation is too small---in fact, every dollar donated to research at Roswell Park can be leveraged for an additional $13 in new grant funding! You can click on the link attached to make a donation. Thank you for your support. If you aren’t able to support me financially, please keep me in your prayers as I continue this journey.
