When I first rode the Ride for Roswell in 1998, I spoke about the chances of you knowing someone that had cancer or at least knew someone that knew someone. Today, it is likely that if you yourself haven't had cancer, you most certainly know someone (family member or close friend) that has had or has cancer. Little did I ever think that I would become a patient. The occurrences have so greatly increased, for many reasons, one of which is greater diagnosis. In addition to both of my parents and myself (still dealing with breast cancer issues), there are so many relatives and dear friends that have had to deal with this awful disease.
This year, I feel like I have added so many to the list of why I ride. Just since last Ride, I have added my cousin Mike H, Bruce U, my daughter-in-law Caity M, Ernie G, my cancer coachees Denise F & Denise H, and Jill R. Belinda T, along with some that I continue to ride for--Robin L, Lee, Jim W, Mary S, Belinda T, Holly K, Maria N and Julie D.
In addition to my parents, Jerry and Darlene, I am also riding for those who I have lost this past year, due to cancer--cousin Bill B and dear friend Linda P and Clark P.
​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.
Due to some lingering pulmonary issues, I'm not riding as far as I'd like, but the Ride has become such a huge part of my life, that I need to do as much as I can, and I am asking for your support in my efforts.
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. They are currently in the late phases of finding a treatment for Glioblastoma. 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. Just recently National Cancer Institute (NCI) again awarded the designation of Comprehensive Cancer Center, a destination held by less than 4 % of cancer centers, giving Roswell the highest possible rating of "Exceptional". This is a 5-year award and the 13th consecutive time this award has been given to Roswell-no other cancer center has held the NCI designation longer than Roswell
I am getting a very late start in my fundraising this year, but am asking you for your support (fundraising will continue until August, even though the Ride is June 22). Please consider sponsoring me 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 $20 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-both in riding and the battle of cancer.
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