Pedal the Cause

In 2013, following a massive seizure, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor (grade 2 oligodendroglioma). My husband was in grad school, we had a 3-year-old boy and I was 3 months pregnant with our daughter. With the diagnosis and seizures, life literally changed overnight. After our daughter was born, I had surgery to remove most of the tumor. Despite the surgery and countless different medications, I continued to have extremely frequent seizures (up to 20 per day) and the threat of the tumor coming back was never far from mind. Needless to say, it was an extremely challenging time.

Three years later, we moved to the St Louis area and I transferred my care to Siteman Cancer Center. From my very first appointment, I knew I was at the right place. My case was immediately taken to the cancer review board and evaluated by a team of doctors. They recommended a personalized treatment plan, including specific chemo and radiation therapies, to reduce or eliminate both the seizures and the threat of tumor recurrence. Throughout the entire process I knew I was receiving personalized care from a dedicated team of individuals, many of who were researchers as well as specialists in their field. As a result of the treatments I received, and thanks to many miracles, I have been seizure free for almost 5 years and my MRI’s are stable. As a result I can be more present in the lives of my children and family, no longer fearing the next seizure or a reoccurrence of the tumor. In short, I feel like I have my life back.

One of the greatest things about Siteman Cancer Center is that not only do they treat patients, they are also a fantastic research institution, striving to develop new treatments and cures for cancer.

Cancer is never something people ask for or expect to happen to them. It changed my life forever. I feel incredibly blessed to be a cancer survivor and have the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for a cure. This year I feel extra blessed to be riding along side my son, Charlie. Although I had cancer, it affected my family as well. I am excited and humbled that he wants to join me. Together we ride for the hope that there will be many more survivors. I would be very grateful if you could donate to this cause, however, please don’t feel pressured to do so. You may give with confidence knowing that 100% of your donation will fund lifesaving cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital.