WHY I RIDE

I've participated in Pedal the Cause every year since its very beginning. Each year I watch with heartbreak, as my "in memory of" and "in honor of" lists grow longer and longer. My mom, one of my best friends, a beautiful little girl who still had big hopes and dreams... But then cancer finally did the unforgivable. Last year, my cousin, my brother, my very best friend was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. He had been down this road before with thyroid cancer, but this time it was different. This time they didn't catch it early. And this time the treatment that was supposed to save his life was ultimately what killed him. Anyone who has ever known me, knows that there is no one in the world I adored more than Nathan. And losing him has been one of the hardest things I've ever experienced in my life. I don't have the words to describe what it's like to watch someone you love fight this disease with everything that they have. But for so many of you reading this, I know it's a reality. Because cancer just keeps coming back after those we love. And so this event, that has always held such a special place in my heart, has an entirely new meaning this year. I will fight with everything I have until my very last breath to help find safer treatments and one day a cure for this disgusting disease.

Did you know that we have one of the Top 10 cancer research centers in the country right here in St. Louis? The physicians of Washington University have over 350 researchers working through Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Childrens Hospital to help in the fight against this deadly disease. The mission of this ride is to help provide funding for these researchers to improve upon existing therapies, aid in the development of new treatments, and to hopefully one day reach our ultimate goal....NO MORE CANCER!!

Pedal the Cause is more than the region's top cycling event. It's a way of life, a celebration, and a movement fueled by the courage to end cancer. I wholeheartedly believe in this event and its mission, for all of those who have lost their battle, for all of those who are still fighting, and for those who have yet to be diagnosed. We deserve better. We deserve a life WITHOUT cancer!!!!

It takes world-class research to create a world without cancer. Please help me in this journey by donating to my ride, and give with confidence knowing that 100% of your donation will go directly to accelerating cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children's Hospital.