Lean on me
When you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on

Family and friends,

My mom and I danced to Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me” at my wedding. When she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021, I wanted her to be able to lean on me. But since I’m terrified of needles and very much not a doctor, she had to lean on others.

When leaning on others, especially with something as terrifying as a cancer diagnosis, comfort and confidence are paramount. The Cleveland Clinic does amazing work, but she went to OSU's James Cancer Hospital for second opinions both for her initial diagnosis and when she restarted treatment in 2023. Comfort and confidence are exactly what the doctors there—specifically Drs. Tim Pawlik and Arjun Mittra—provided.

After both second opinions, there was a tangible shift in how she and my dad felt about the treatment plan. From fear, apprehension, and anxiety before the appointments, to trust and a fighting determination after. Although she lost her valiant, dogged fight against cancer this past September, her fight would’ve looked a lot different without trips to the James.

So this summer, I’m riding in Pelotonia, a bike ride that’s so far raised over $300 million for cancer research at the James. I ride because if my mom can fight through the hell of cancer treatment for three and a half years, I can deal with chafing and a sore butt. I ride because I hope the work happening at the James means that fewer people need to go through cancer treatment hell. And I ride because, until that happens, the incredible doctors, nurses, schedulers, and all other staff at the James need our help to support those who lean on them.

I’m grateful for any support—financial, emotional, or how to avoid chafing—you can provide.

Thank you!
Casey