With one in two men and one in three women in America being diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, most of us know someone who has been affected by this devastating disease. My life has been impacted in many ways by cancer. My older sister, who had a tumor when I was just a toddler, is a survivor thanks to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Both of my parents lost their fights with cancer. I have family and friends who have fought cancer and won, and family and friends who didn't make it, most recently my grandfather by marriage, Jim.

While my current colleagues and close grad school friend dealing with cancer right now aren't receiving their treatment through Roswell, I know the research there has probably influenced their options. As a premier cancer center, their work filters out to the whole world.

I began participating in the Ride for Roswell in 2008, the year my father could no longer participate because he'd lost his fight against lung cancer. Before he died, Dad told me he really wanted me to take his velo and cycle cross country and write about it. I haven't completed that goal yet, but every time I ride the velo, which is nearly every day, I think of him. I have been raising money for Roswell in his honor each year. This summer, I'll be riding in CA, but i hope you'll still consider supporting the cause!

I ride for many reasons: because I know survivors who Roswell helped, like my sister, uncle, and friend. Because they tried to save both of my parents. Because my Dad believed so much in Roswell. When he rode, he would write about the value even of a can of gingerale in a mini-fridge in a patient's room, so when their loved ones were keeping watch, they didn't have to leave even to get a drink. He wrote about the support he felt there, the experimental radiation he tried out in the hopes of making a difference for someone down the line.

You can make a difference by supporting me in The Ride For Roswell.  Funds raised through The Ride support cutting-edge research--from trials of a new lung cancer vaccine to more targeted treatments based on genetic profiles--and compassionate, innovative patient care programs at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Please consider making a donation today. Together, we can help find cancer cures and save lives.