CANCER SUCKS.
This is my 7th year participating in this wonderful event - it started as something that was just kind of like, "hey why not, I have a bike and it's a good cause", but over the years it has become something that is so very important to me for many reasons.
I lost three of my grandparents to it many years ago, and that was my first real experience with this terrible disease. They are all on my mind every year as I raise money and do this ride. I was young, and because of cancer I never got to know them in a real way; I didn’t know them as people, just as my grandparents. I never got to hear stories of their youth or the trouble they’d gotten into as kids. I didn’t know their interests or things that they loved or hated. These are just a few things that were stolen from me because of this disease. You will never be forgotten, and always loved and missed--I would give anything for one more day with you.
Frances Paluch - 10.11.1998
Rosalie Castro - 04.21.2000
Sebastian Castro - 04.14.2001
Just since I started doing the ride, I’ve written about five people that I’m close to, and I have lost four of them. With each new year seems to come another loved one lost to this disease.
On 11.16.2022, we lost my father's cousin, Al Marino. He was such an amazing guy and one of my favorite people. I remember when I was a little girl and I heard he was coming over I would always want to bake or make something for him because I was so excited to see him. I didn't like to wear dresses when I was young, so my parents would have him buy them for me; not only would I wear them if they were from him, but I would never want to take them off. That's how much I truly just loved and adored him. Losing him hit me hard. This year I dedicate my ride to you, Al. I love you and miss you so much.
On 11.16.2022, we lost my father's cousin, Al Marino. He was such an amazing guy and one of my favorite people. I remember when I was a little girl and I heard he was coming over I would always want to bake or make something for him because I was so excited to see him. I didn't like to wear dresses when I was young, so my parents would have him buy them for me; not only would I wear them if they were from him, but I would never want to take them off. That's how much I truly just loved and adored him. Losing him hit me hard. This year I dedicate my ride to you, Al. I love you and miss you so much.
Before Al passed last year, it was my friend Frannie who lost her battle on 05.21.2022. She was a dear friend from highschool who was always optimistic and smiling, and I looked forward to our chats.
My uncle, Richard Paluch, lost his battle on 02.27.2021 - I was riding in honor of him in 2021, but I had to change my write up to “in memory of”, and it broke my heart to do so. He was truly one of a kind, and we loved him so much.
Another old friend, Lucas, lost his battle in July of 2020. Rest In Peace, Luke; I hope you’re drinking the best beers and eating all the apple pie, thin mints, and candy corn that you could ever want. ♡
Please donate and help me reach my fundraising goal. Together we can help Roswell fight to find a cure for this terrible disease.
Thank you so much in advance.
