Ambassadors for 2026
10 years of Uniting Against Cancer!
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Alma Aguilar and Troy Reese
Michelle Dearholt
Kaylee Deutsch Armijo
Tim Harris
Jayne Holmes
Jenson Family Ambassadors
Kelli Johansen
Laura Niel
Charles Rowland
Thomas Ruiz
Andrea Trujillo
Mike Westphal
Connecting the Lobo Cancer Challenge community
All of our Ambassadors have demonstrated commitment and leadership in bringing their friends, family and community together to unite against cancer. They have a passion for helping others. Now, as a Lobo Cancer Challenge Ambassador, they can take their support for fellow New Mexicans in their cancer journey to another level; building relationships on behalf of the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, providing encouragement, and educating others on the importance of cancer research.
Alma Aguilar & Troy Reese
“We participate in the Lobo Cancer Challenge to honor loved ones affected by cancer and to support vital research and care services.”
Alma has worked at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center since 2016. She understands that the doors she walks into for work every day have a very different meaning and purpose for our patients who come to the same building. She has been a part of the Lobo Cancer Challenge since the first year in 2017. She started by volunteering and was encouraged to get on a bike and participate. Alma took on the challenge and has been riding ever since. She asked her friend Troy to train and teach her how to ride a road bike. In 2019, Alma participated in her first 50 mile bike event, which was the Lobo Cancer Challenge. She became fast friends with other Challengers, including survivor and 2024 Ambassador Chaz Rowland. Troy also became more than a friend/trainer to Alma and they married June 8, 2024. Troy works at Sandia National Labs and was a motor cross competitor for years. These days he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, running and cycling. He is easing his way back into activity after knee surgery in July 2024. He and Alma love spending time together doing outdoor activities. He has become a huge supporter of the Lobo Cancer Challenge and they are excited to return as 2026 Ambassadors.
Troy and Alma are eager to participate in the Lobo Cancer Challenge with their deep personal connections to the cause and their desire to contribute meaningfully to cancer research and support services. Having witnessed loved ones battle cancer, Alma and Troy understand the profound emotional and physical toll it takes on patients and their families. By joining the Challenge, they aim to honor those affected by the disease and help raise critical funds that can lead to advancements in cancer treatments and patient care. Their participation is driven by a commitment to fostering hope, encouraging community involvement, and making a tangible difference in the fight against cancer.
They dedicate their challenge to everyone in their lives who have been affected by cancer, directly or indirectly.
Michelle Dearholt
I support the Lobo Cancer Challenge because cancer changed my life—twice. In 2021, at the age of 40, a routine appointment led to a diagnosis of stage 3 cervical cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation followed, and while I’ve worked hard to rebuild my strength, recovery has been both a physical and emotional journey. I’ve leaned deeply on physicians, support groups, friends, and family who carried me through some of my hardest days.
Cancer touched my family again in 2023 when my father was diagnosed with and passed away from a rare leukemia, BPDCN—an experience that reinforced a hard truth: cancer is not one size fits all, and research and treatment options are still evolving.
As a leader at Nusenda Credit Union, I’m proud that we’ve supported the Lobo Cancer Challenge for years as one of its largest corporate teams, with team members participating across a wide range of activities. Following my own experience, that commitment took on even deeper meaning as we began sharing survivor and caregiver stories across our organization.
As we celebrate the Lobo Cancer Challenge’s 10-year anniversary, I’m honored to support the awareness, research, and care happening through the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center—an extraordinary resource serving New Mexicans and beyond.
“Let’s keep the momentum going and celebrate the opportunity to support life changing treatment right here at home.”
Kaylee Deutsch-Armijo
I am thrilled to be a returning ambassador for the 2026 Lobo Cancer Challenge!
As a thyroid cancer survivor, I know first hand how important it is to have access to world class doctors, excellent care, clinical trials, and support — all of which can be found at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center! As a young adult cancer survivor, I have been involved in the cancer research community since my diagnosis in 2011. My illness drove me to pursue a career in oncology clinical research and I am proud to still work in the field today. Clinical trials play a key role in providing life saving treatment to cancer patients- and your donation helps bring further treatment options to New Mexico’s cancer patients.
I have been involved with the Cancer Challenge since its inception and I am excited to participate again this year! Not only is the event a blast, but its even better knowing that the funds are used to help patients and caregivers within our beautiful state! We are so lucky to have a such a wonderful facility within our community and this event ensures that that we surround patients with the best medical treatments, care, and support now and for years to come!
“I hope to see you on the bike path, race course, or stairs this year!”
Tim Harris
“I am Tim Harris and I have participated in the Lobo Cancer Challenge for 5 years. This year is 6 and I will be doing the 5K Run / Walk with my New Jersey.
“I still love to continue to be a fighter and to help others fight their own battles.
“I got chosen to be an Ambassador for 2026 this year. I am so excited...
oh yeah!”
Jayne Holmes
I am thrilled that I was asked to be an ambassador again this year for the 2026 Lobo Cancer Challenge. I truly am passionate about this event and have been from the 1st year it started.
I have worked at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center since 2007 as a clinic surgical coordinator for the breast cancer team. The providers, staff and faculty I have known over the years and now are all incredible and deeply care about our patients.
They say it takes a village and the statement is so true. I come to work everyday knowing our patients are in great hands, not only the breast cancer patients but all of our cancer patients. I know this from personal experience. In 2019 my sister became a patient here at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center after being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. The care and treatment she received and still does was and is the best. She had a stem cell transplant under the care of Dr. Andritsos and treatment under the care of Dr. Quintana. They helped make a very scary experience into a “we can do this” experience. She continues to make monthly trips from out-of-town for treatment, as many of our patients do. The struggle is real, but with all of our support, they too “can do this.”
In March of this year 2026, under the care of Dr. Fero and his team, my sister underwent CAR T-Cell Therapy, a highly personalized immunotherapy used to treat relapsed or refractory blood cancers like multiple myeloma. The therapy genetically engineers a patient’s own white blood cells (T cells) to recognize and kill cancer cells and hopefully lead to remission. We were also so grateful to find out that some of the “benefits” like food, gas and lodging we received during her month’s long stay in Albuquerque, were available to us because of the funds raised at the Lobo Cancer Challenge. Today my sister is doing great and with your continued support of the Lobo Cancer Challenges, it's possible for others to have the same opportunities!
“Please join us on Saturday, September 26th, 2026 at this year’s Lobo Cancer Challenge. Consider joining or donating to a team.”
Tyler Jenson with mom Michelle Jenson
Tyler Jenson and the Jenson Family Ambassadors
We participate in the Lobo Cancer Challenge to take a stand against cancer and support those facing this difficult journey. When Tyler was diagnosed with cancer at 15 years old, it changed our family’s story forever. We understand firsthand the fear, uncertainty, and emotional rollercoaster that comes with a cancer diagnosis.
Cancer is now a part of our story — and it fuels our commitment to making a difference. For us, the Lobo Cancer Challenge is more than just an event; it’s a powerful reminder of the strength found in community, hope, and action. Every step taken and every dollar raised brings us closer to a world where cancer no longer holds power over families and their futures.
“Together, we can make a difference and offer hope to those in need!”
Kelli Johansen
The Lobo Cancer Challenge doesn’t just let me honor my Dad every year but every person I have had the opportunity to take care [of] as an RN. This year marks my third year participating in a cause that means so much to my family and I.
My life changed forever in March 2019 when my dad was diagnosed with stage IIIb lung cancer. He passed away just three months later in June 2019 after receiving treatment through the UNM Cancer Center. Walking through that journey with him showed me how cancer impacts not just the person diagnosed, but every family member and loved one surrounding them. It is a road filled with fear, strength, heartbreak, resilience, and moments of incredible humanity.
Today, I am both an adult and pediatric hospice nurse, and that experience continues to shape the way I care for others. I feel strongly about giving back to the cancer community; whether someone is newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, surviving, grieving, or simply trying to support someone they love. People facing cancer need a community willing to show up, stand beside them, and remind them they are not alone.
Being an ambassador for the Lobo Cancer Challenge is one way I can help wrap my arms around this community while supporting the UNM Cancer Center that cared for my dad.
“I am honored to be part of something that brings hope, connection, research, and compassion to so many people across New Mexico.”
Laura Niel
When my cycling team, the New Mexico Spokettes, found out about the inaugural Lobo Cancer Challenge in 2017, we knew we wanted to participate as we are passionate about cycling and fighting cancer. I volunteered to be a team captain then and have continued in that role ever since. I am also a team captain for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). Our medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. I am honored to be an Ambassador this year.
The Lobo Cancer Challenge is an opportunity to remember and honor our family and friends who are no longer with us due to cancer and to support our family and friends fighting cancer. My cycling team rides in memory of our teammate Kathy Thompson who passed away from cancer just before the 2019 Lobo Cancer Challenge. My work team participates for loved ones and with gratitude for our professionals. My loved ones include my mom who died from cancer 33 years ago and my twin brother who has stage 4 cancer. I am hopeful our efforts will fund research that will help him and everyone fighting cancer. I am so thankful for the great medical teams providing care and doing research at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center. These efforts lead to more time with loved ones. The Lobo Cancer Challenge is a great time to celebrate them.
Cancer changes many lives. The Lobo Cancer Challenge is a way to fight back against cancer and support our community. One of my favorite quotes is the African proverb, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
Let's go together and make a difference.
Charles Rowland
Ever since the 2nd Lobo Cancer Challenge in 2018, one could find me on my bike celebrating the incredible fact that such a possibility is even real. Granted that not all types of cancer are the same, and not all patients are the same, cancer is scary. My prostate cancer was discovered just weeks after an annual PSA screening revealed that my number had gone beyond 4. Dr. Satyan Shah and his team jumped on it, and I am forever grateful to the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center for the thoroughness, expertise, and patient care this institution brings to the table.
By the time the radical prostatectomy was performed two months later, the PSA reading was almost 6, and subsequent analysis disclosed that the rise had reached a catastrophic rate of increase. If no one had noticed the cancer, my life expectancy was probably no more than five years.
It’s been 14 years now, and I am still enjoying the wonderful autumn air and sky here in central New Mexico from the saddle of my bike. Participation in this event has led to remarkable friendships with several administrative staff members who have each had an impact on my life.
Other bridges have been crossed in the meantime, but the inspiration and encouragement from every single person I have encountered at the UNM Cancer Center make me proud to be a Challenger and proud to be a Lobo!
Go Lobos!
Thomas Ruiz
I am honored to be an Ambassador for the 2026 Lobo Cancer Challenge. Last year was my first year participating in this event, and the entire experience was supportive and inclusive as a newly diagnosed cancer patient. The Lobo Cancer Challenge community was such a welcoming experience, an event that brings up a lot of emotions for each person, whether walking, running, or biking.
In May 2025, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer, a diagnosis that was shocking to my family and me. As a 20+ year Firefighter and Paramedic, being healthy and active was not only part of being safe and successful in my career, but also part of my daily hobbies and family adventures. Last year's event, I was freshly off six weeks of chemotherapy and finding what my body needed best to recover and start to slowly exercise again. Being able to walk with a group of family and friends while running into lifelong friends, co-workers, and even personal doctors made this experience truly healing. I now have a whole new community of encouragement for my continued cancer and chemotherapy journey with the Lobo Cancer Challenge family.
“Being able to participate in the 2025 event and now serve as an Ambassador for the 2026 event allows me to continue to heal my body while continuing to fight cancer and receive chemotherapy, but also to increase awareness and raise much-needed cancer research funding for bladder cancer.”
Andrea Trujillo
Working at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center for the past 10 years is one of the reasons I am such a strong supporter of the Lobo Cancer Challenge. I see firsthand the impact it has not only on patients, but also on their families. As a native New Mexican, I am proud that such exceptional cancer care is available to our community right here at home.
My passion for oncology is deeply personal and rooted in my own family’s experience with cancer. I have witnessed both the struggles and the incredible strength it takes to fight this disease. Sadly, several of my family members lost their battles. When my brother was diagnosed with colon cancer, it inspired in me an even stronger desire to do more and become more involved in supporting others facing similar challenges. Today, he is one year cancer-free, and I pray he continues to remain healthy.
For these reasons, I will always support cancer care, research, funding, and awareness.
“Being asked to serve as an ambassador is a tremendous honor, and I hope to make both my family and my community proud.”
Mike Westphal
Cancer seems to touch every one of us. Several people in my family and friend circles have had cancer, including my Aunt Carol who received excellent treatment for lung cancer at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC).
UNMCCC is our local home for the fight against cancer and is the “safety net” treatment facility as well. The wealthiest and the least wealthy New Mexicans receive world class treatment, side by side.
I'm proud to have ridden in all of the Lobo Cancer Challenges and I've made friends with many fellow participants along the way. The Lobo Cancer Challenge gives my friends, family and me a great combination of physical challenge, important fundraising tools and a lot of fun. Meeting some of the UNMCCC community of patients, doctors, researchers and other team members and supporters is an added benefit of the event.
“It's awesome to see how much the Lobo Cancer Challenge and the UNMCCC have grown and achieved.”
Statistics and information appearing on this page do not represent the official views of the Lobo Cancer Challenge.
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