As many people know, cancer is a devastating disease. I don’t think there is anyone who doesn’t know a friend or relative that has not been affected by this disease. The news of cancer is earth shattering to its victims, their families and friends. It robs people of their dignity and their ability to be productive members of society.
I learned early in my life about the impact of cancer when I lost my first husband to cancer. We found out in March, and he was gone by August. I, like many people, believed that cancer is a disease of old people. Unfortunately, this was not and is not the case since every year 9,000 young adults die from cancer. Again, I was affected by the ravages of cancer when my mother died in 2000. As a registered nurse she was very familiar with her patients’ pain and suffering caused by cancer. In January for the third time, I got another close-up view of the pain and suffering of cancer when I lost my lifelong friend. Like other victims of cancer, she had an intense desire to live and to be there for her family.
I know that I am not alone when I recount the effect cancer has had on my life. I sorely miss these incredible people. I bike as a tribute to their lives. When you contribute to Pedal the Cause, 100% of your donation is helping researchers discover new treatments and improve cancer detection. Together we can make a difference so that families and friends in the future may not experience the pain and suffering of losing their loved ones. Your financial support is greatly appreciated and will provide you with the satisfaction that you have contributed to creating a world without cancer.
