MLEK8's 2017 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 almost 25 years!!!   I know, however, that there are still times that she fears the cancer will return, and I pray that it never does.  

Since my first experience with cancer, the family that I love has seen a brain tumor, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and multiple melanoma.  Some of these family members are survivors…others are not.  And this is just my family…not to mention friends and colleagues.  Cancer is everywhere, my friends!  We all fight it together. 

This is my fifth 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