In 2023, I have a personal goal to raise a minimum of $2500 so I am eligible to ride in the Pelaton Ride which is the night before the actual ride and takes riders from Roswell Park to the University at Buffalo. I've heard this is an incredibly moving event and I hope to be a part of it this year.
My journey with the Ride for Roswell started on August 7, 2021 when I rode in my first Ride for Roswell event. I was incredibly moved by the energy and hope that surrounded this event. I rode in memory of my sister who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2006. I rode for those who had fought and lost, fought and survived, were currently in the battle, and those whose battle was yet to begin. In 2022 the ride became much more personal to me.
Ten days after my first ride, on August 17, 2021, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in the 4th ventricle. And three weeks later, on September 10, 2021, I was a patient at Roswell Park Cancer Institute for surgery to remove the tumor. I am blessed beyond all measure that I survived the 8-hour surgery, that my tumor was benign, and that I have suffered minimal post-surgical issues.
June 7, 2023 update: I learned through my annual MRI on May 20 that I have a recurrence of my tumor. It's very small thankfully. I will be undergoing a gamma knife procedure on July 5 in the hopes of stopping the tumor from growing and avoiding a more invasive procedure. I appreciate everyone's continued support and prayers.
The Ride for Roswell is very real and very personal for me. The resources that this event raises help to support life-saving research and recruit the most talented doctors - like mine - to help people of all walks of life who find themselves in need.
Let me be completely honest. This was an incredibly difficult journey not just for me but for my family as well. The fear, the anxiety, the possible outcomes weighed heavy on us all. But for the grace of God and for my talented Roswell Park care team, I blessed to be here and share my story with others.
The fragility of life is not lost on me so I ask for your support to help those in need. And if you are unable to provide financial support, may I ask you to pray for all those who need it? I am grateful.
