I have always been so proud to be a part of the Pelotonia community – it’s been personal to me for years as I’ve watched so many loved ones face cancer diagnoses, some experiencing remission, some being taken too soon, and some, like my mom, being in a life-long battle as she continues treatment year after year to live with metastatic renal cell cancer.

On January 2, 2024 it became even more personal, which I didn’t think was possible, as my partner of 10 years was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. Most of 2024, cancer consumed our lives - Tommy went through an invasive surgery followed by 30 radiation treatments to his head and neck, leaving him with months of healing and trying to find a new normal. Thankfully, 2025 started off with visits to his radiation oncologist and head & neck specialists, all finally speaking the word "remission" for the first time. While our gratitude to be at this stage is immense, everyone's journey doesn't have this outcome, and even if it does, the road is HARD. Pelotonia is the reason I choose to remain hopeful that ending cancer IS possible, and not having to watch people I love go through these battles could be a reality.

As we work towards a cancer-free world, the importance of research can’t be overstated. My mom’s fight has benefitted so greatly from the advances in treatment over the past several years, with new treatments becoming available throughout her journey, some of which have been vital in her fight! My mom sees oncologists at both Kettering Cancer Center and The James, as they have offered more flexibility in the types and doses of treatment to which she has access. While her battle against cancer has been going on for many years, it's because of the advances in research throughout these years that she's able to continue fighting and continue having new options available to her. Some of the treatments she's been on didn't even exist when she was first diagnosed!

As always, I'm committed to not only putting on some amazing events to celebrate this community’s impact, but also committed to raising funds that save lives every single day. Every dollar counts, and can save someone's life!

THANK YOU for riding, volunteer, fundraising and donating – we’re all a crucial part of Ending Cancer!!