Suck It Cancer Sunday!

We are just 5 days away from Pelotonia16! Five years ago, on July 18, 2011, I heard those three words you don't want to hear, "You Have Cancer".  I had ridden in Pelotonia twice and was planning to ride in Pelotonia11, but I was not medically cleared to exercise and could not train.  After receiving my diagnosis, I made the decision to volunteer.  I had not publicly shared my diagnosis, so I experienced Pelotonia weekend feeling a little bit alone, yet surrounded by the most supportive community anyone can imagine. 

Volunteering changed my life just as much as riding.  I heard countless stories from riders about why they ride.  Some were stories of lost loved ones, some were courageous survivors that beat their own battle and some were in the fight at that moment. I watched the first rider, Riley Adams, cross the 180 mile finish line on Sunday and his family surrounding him.  Riley was just 17 years old at the time and lost his little sister, Eden in 2008. She was just 8 years old. I watched his family rallying around him, no doubt remembering the hardest thing anyone could ever imagine going through - losing a child...yet, they celebrated that day and Riley spreading the message that we can make a difference. Good things can come from the most devastating events.  

Cancer has shaped my life and changed it's course and I would not change it for anything. Pelotonia has been a big part of this positive change.  I am so grateful for the Pelotonia community!  If I had not said yes to Pelotonia09, I would not have known the gift of The James.  I would not have known so many of the warriors that beat this disease, the heros that fought and lost their battles or many of the supporters that lifted me up through my darkest days.  No one ever wants to think they will need to take advantage a world renowned cancer hospital. While we ride in hope of a cure so that no one ever needs it - don't wait until you need it to support it!  Support it today and be a part of the cure!  You just don't know if you, your dad, your mom, your uncle, your dearest friend from childhood, or all of the above will need to take advantage of the life saving resources at The James or any other cancer hospital in the country. You see, if The James discovers life-saving treatment or ultimately, a cure, it will be shared with all. You are not just investing in central Ohio, you are investing in research that will change the course of treatment for cancer patients everywhere!   

I can tell you with certainty that 5 years ago, while I was uncertain of my future and preparing for something I could not imagine, I also would never imagine I would be riding 180 miles on a bicycle today.  That I would have the courage to do it, to train for it, to do something so out of my comfort zone.  As hard as 180 miles sounds, I will take this challenge over surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, scans and everything else that comes with a cancer battle any day!  

In 5 days, I will ride 180 miles in support of a cure!  Please join me in supporting Pelotonia by making any donation at My Fundraising Page.