The summer has been such a whirlwind. When I finished chemo in
April, I instantly began filling my calendar with commitments and jumped
back into the hectic life that I am accustomed to living…forgetting
that my energy would not come back instantly. I have luckily survived
the madness of the busiest time of year at my paying job, chaired and
planned our largest fundraiser for the local food pantry where I am
board member and am officially prepared to ride 100 miles in a week in
the fight to raise money for cancer research. I also received the first compliment on my 'haircut'. This lovely woman approached me at the pantry fundraiser I mentioned, I was running around a little crazy and she looked at me and said "Where do you get your hair cut - I love it!" How about that?? As I wrap up this crazy
summer, I am reflecting and re-prioritizing… After facing your own
mortality, this happens more often!
As I tried to return to living a normal life, I am reminded again how
fragile life is and not to take it for granted. Shortly after my
diagnosis, my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer in the fall of 2011.
At the time I was fighting my own battle and simply could not be as much
help as I would have liked. While the cancer is not curable, he is
holding his own and feeling pretty good – he even returned to work in
June. And then we received another blow in June 2012 with mom being
diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. Her situation is much more
serious at the moment and luckily, I have been able to jump in and the
lead the charge with her care – I continue to be amazed at the
compassion of The James Cancer Center at OSU – they are truly angels!
She is struggling with a great deal of pain due to the location of the
tumors and has started chemotherapy, receiving weekly treatments. We
will know more in a few weeks, but for now, we have hope that everything
is treatable.
I am overwhelmed with the experience of Pelotonia12! The opening
ceremony was emotional and inspiring! My ride was a huge success – still can’t believe I rode 100 miles and exceeded my fundraising goal! I am already preparing for how I can
raise more money next year! I am most grateful for my tenacious riding partner – convincing me to ride Reynolds Rd (the way more difficult
route) - I will never fear the unknown again! I am so grateful to everyone that donated, giving me the opportunity to
ride 100 miles! I rode in honor of myself as a survivor, but especially for the many fighting their own battles!
