Cancer doesn't care. It doesn't care about age. It doesn't care about your family or friends. It doesn't care about what it takes from us -- or who it leaves behind.

My fight with cancer has been successful thanks to the caring community of researchers, doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers at the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Institute. 

I have had an interesting year with cancer to say the least.  At my annual appointment with the dermatology department at Roswell this summer, melanoma was discovered on my second toe. After meeting with a surgeon, I found out the only way to ensure the melanoma was completely removed was to have my second toe amputated. You can imagine my shock and disbelief! Today I’m happy to report the melanoma is gone and I never really needed that toe anyway. 

I am once again riding in the Ride for Roswell this year with my amazing support team, my family. We have increased our family by one as we welcomed my beautiful granddaughter, Vivienne McDowell, in January.  So excited for her to ride with us one of these years!

A huge thank you to all of you who have donated to my ride over the years. You have helped raise critically needed funds for researchers to investigate new treatment options that could save lives in our community and around the world. 

Unfortunately, cancer has been a part of my life. Fortunately, so has Roswell Park. If you would like to help, consider donating any amount to support those fighting cancer now and those, like myself, who have conquered this disease and are hoping to stay cancer free. I would love to see the day we cure this disease or at least make it very treatable for future generations!  

Together, we can make a difference!