I am proud to join Pedal the Cause in the fight against cancer. Pedal the Cause is more than the region's top cycling event. It's a way of life, a celebration, and a movement fueled by the courage to end cancer.
It takes world-class research to create a world without cancer. Please help me in this journey by donating to my ride, and give with confidence knowing that 100% of your donation will go directly to accelerating cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children's Hospital.
I ride because as a member of the healthcare field I can personally see the benefit that cancer research can have on patient lives on a daily basis. Cancer has taken the lives of a few members of my family and friends so I understand how it can feel to lose a loved one to such an evil disease. However I also know many people who have fought and beat cancer with the help of their healthcare team. Fighting cancer starts with research and development of new drugs used to eliminate cancerous cells from our body. As a pharmacist, I have been exposed to just how costly and time consuming this research and develop can be for a pharmaceutical company. As pharmacists we are taught that improving our patient's quality of life is our number one goal, whether that be helping them save a few dollars on a medication or by helping doctors make critical decisions on drug therapy. I ride to use my joy of riding a bike, knowledge of healthcare, and personal connections to cancer to help raise awareness and funds so that we can save future lives and truly effect the lives of those who care for people affected by cancer.
I also ride for these four individuals in my life:
-Colin Schlereth:
Colin was diagnosed at age 9 with stage 4 brain cancer, Medullablastoma. Within days he had a full resection surgery to remove the tumor and then underwent 6 weeks Proton Radiation therapy and 13 months of chemotherapy. Colin finished his treatment August 20th, 2015 and is currently NED, No evidence of disease and being monitored with an MRI every 6 months. Colin is a strong athletic who played hockey, soccer and golf prior to diagnosis. Colin get back on the ice to relearn to skate 3 months post surgery and tried to attend practices throughout chemotherapy treatment as much as possible. Throughout treatment Colin physically struggled with the effects of treatment but mentally he was strong, funny, sweet and a fighter. We battled this disease with outstanding family and friend support and also with smiles and laughter, especially as much as we were in the hospital. Colin is full of life, loves an adventure, strong willed, sarcastic and full of humor. His smile is contagious and just warms your heart. Colin continues to be NED, no evidence of disease, in hopes for a cure. #CantStopColin #GoBlues #StanleyCupChampions
-Keira Stout:
Keira Stout was an amazing little girl with a heart of gold. She was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma on May 15, 2014. After a little over a year of treatment Keira had defeated her cancer and she was able to be a normal kid and enjoy life. Unfortunately her time as a normal kid was too short and the cancer returned just 6 months later. Keira battled her cancer for the next three years making the most of every moment in her life and always spreading kindness to those around her. Keira passed away on May 3, 2017 and entered into heaven. Her family has started a pay it forward campaign in her name and have been spreading around random act of kindness cards with Keira's story on them. I encourage you to check out her story on Facebook @ #KeiraStrong and remember Kindness is the new cool!
-Mary Wikoff:
A few summers ago my grandma Mary Wikoff found out she had breast cancer. After a few tough weeks she had surgery to have it removed and the doctors scanned her to see if the cancer had metastasized. Luckily for her they had caught it early and she was clear everywhere else. She finished radiation therapy and is hoping now that the cancer has been defeated for good. This news hit very close to home and made me feel the pain that way too many families and friends have to feel when they hear this type of news.
-Betty Wikoff:
A few years ago, my aunt Betty Wikoff was diagnosed with stage II B breast cancer at her normal screening mammogram. She completed 3.5 months of chemotherapy and had the cancer surgically removed! She is currently cancer free and living every minute of life to its fullest!
