MLEK8's 2018 Fundraising Page

Do you remember the first time your life was affected by cancer?  In September 1993, the future was bright and exciting!  I was 21 years old and preparing to leave the nest for the first time as a young adult.  Within 30 days I was leaving Illinois for Georgia and everything was going as planned. Then…my mom was diagnosed with throat cancer.  I remember the shock and sadness my entire family felt when we received the news.  The world suddenly came to a halt and the future was uncertain.  My mom was certain she would beat cancer and insisted I proceed with my move to Georgia; so I did.  While she was in great hands, I was absent for her cancer battle and I’ve never truly known the struggle she endured during those many months of treatment.  She did, indeed, beat cancer and has been cancer free for 25 years!!!   I know, however, that there are still times that she fears the cancer will return.  Even after 25 years, the physical effects of her cancer treatments continue to take a toll on my mom. Cancer can truly be cruel - even to survivors years after the fact.

Since my first experience with cancer, my family has battled a brain tumor, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, multiple melanoma and most recently --- jaw cancer.  Several of my family members are survivors…others are not...others are in the throws of the fight at this very moment. This is just my family…it does not take into account the countless friends and colleagues.  Cancer is everywhere, my friends!  We all fight it together. 

This is my sixth year riding le Tour de Femme and I would love your support and consideration of a donation in honor of all our family, friends and colleagues who have fought the good fight – win or lose.

In the ride against cancer, no one rides alone.

Photo courtesy of Catherine Davis Photography