Our Why
Roger Leventer's Story:
“I found a tumor in Lynda’s colon.”
Gut punch. With those seven words, our lives, and the lives of our young boys (John and Bobby), changed forever. It was the beginning of our six year journey of bravery, resilience, and unthinkable strength. My wife, Lynda, was never a cancer victim; she didn’t even think of herself as a cancer patient most of the time. She was John and Bobby’s Mom. She faced her worst nightmare and then got up and faced her worst nightmare again...and again for six years. She never faltered even as the world around her was collapsing.
The Hopkins team of physicians, researchers and nurses dedicate their lives to fighting cancer every day. Lynda lost her life to cancer. My life was forever changed by cancer. I want to honor Lynda and match the commitment of her care team. I want to help end cancers so no one else must endure what Lynda and our family went through. I cannot go back to school, I cannot see patients, I cannot do research, but I can support the clinicians and researchers at the Colorectal Cancer Research Center of Excellence at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine with my time and money. As Lynda left me, I promised that I would make good come from the tragedy of Lynda’s cancer. With your help, we can do just that!
Eben Block's Journey:
For Eben Block, surviving advanced colon cancer was a testament to strength and resilience. Facing a diagnosis that turned his world upside down, Eben found hope and healing at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Throughout his battle, he drew inspiration from the unwavering support of his dear friend, Lynda Leventer, who fought her own courageous battle alongside him. Though Lynda's journey ended too soon, Eben carries her memory with him as he continues to fight for a future free from cancer. Now, as a survivor, Eben rides not only for himself but for all those who have been touched by this insidious disease.
To know more about EB's story and past End Cancer campaigns, check out the podcast Cancer Matters with Dr. Bill Nelson – Cycling to End Cancer. Together, we can end cancer!
Join Our Quest to End Cancer
In 2022, Roger and Eben launched the Cycle to End Cancer campaign with a friendly competition to raise money for research and clinical trials. In 2023, fueled by the initial success and determination to make a difference, they raised even more funds for groundbreaking trials.
With a goal of $100,000, the expanded End Cancer 2024: Cycle, Run & Walk encourages more participants in our mission to cycle, run and walk toward a future free from cancer.
