I was 12 years old when i found out i had bone cancer. I had had a large growth spurt , i was 5'6 and 11 years old at the time.... but the pain in my leg didnt stop and then the swelling started. I was sent to Roswell Park immediately after having xrays done..... the xrays revealed the cancer cells growing in my 12 year old body. 

 I had numberous doses of chemo and then months later a total knee replacements with a large portion of my femur replaced to take the "bad" bone out. I was told I would never be able to play contact sports again and nothing with a lot of running.... as a soccer player it was heart breaking.

7 months more of chemeotherapy brought me to January 20, 1997 .... my birthday - the day i was basically diagnosed in 1996. My scans came back all clear... i was cancer free!!! 

While on this journey i saw and experienced things that forever changed me... even at such a young age.  Even over 20 years later i wonder why me.... why did i make it out. But rather than focusing on that , i focus on living.... because thats what i was given the opportunity to do. I have been in remission for 26 years now - I have 2 beautiful children and an amazing husband that make my world go round. 

Roswell Park was the most incredible place to go through my cancer treatment. The nurses and staff are the most loving and compassionate people i have ever met still to this day .... They helped me to get better and move on with my life.  

This year my family of 4 will be riding the 5 mile family ride at the Ride for Roswell!!! I hope that you will consider donating to our cause - so that Roswell may continue to do research to save MORE childrens and adults lives .....so that they can go on and live the way that i was so incredibly lucky to be able to do. Thank you.