Pedal the Cause

In my 12th year of riding Pedal the Cause to raise money for cancer research, I am dedicating this year’s ride to honor three special individuals: Carlos Thomas Vasques, Lindsay Kennedy Eversmeyer, and David Buck. I will continue to ride in honor and in memory of those I have dedicated in prior years. Some had lost their battles, some are still fighting while others had thrived and lived a normal life.

Carlos Thomas Vasques, a former youth soccer coach, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Squamous Cell Carcinoma in his lungs over two years ago. He is currently undergoing immunotherapy infusion every three weeks. The treatments have been effective but are harsh to Carlos’ body with some side effects but the good news is that all recent scans have shown no visual sign of cancer with no new growth or spots. It is hopeful that Carlos would return to coaching soon.

Lindsay Kennedy Everysmeyer has a very impressive soccer resume since high school. She is currently the Men’s Head Soccer Coach at Southwestern Illinois College. Lindsay was diagnosed with Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma earlier this year and had undergone surgery on March 19. Thankfully her prognosis is cancer free and she is expected to be in remission upon completion of her treatments.

David Buck grew up in a soccer referee family. David’s sister Sarah Buck shared the following report. “David was almost 17 when he was first diagnosed with Leukemia in the middle of his sophomore year of high school. The journey was hard and he got sick quite often but his faith and fun loving attitude got him and others through the darkest times. He always has a smile on his face and is the best practical joker and nurses fight over the right to treat him. In June of 2024 after two and a half years, David rang the bell. In fact, he rang it so hard he pulled it off the post. After high school graduation, he was able to get a job working at a family owned meat factory and enjoyed life. He loved soccer and was playing on multiple teams. He had his life back again. Unfortunately, in March 2026, he found out he has now relapsed. He is once again in the fight of his life with an invisible enemy. He still carries a smile on his face and his personality is so brave in the face of illness. He had to quit work to focus on his health. But most tragically, he has once again had to give up the love of his life: soccer. He is not able to play or referee like he used to. We have no doubt that he will continue to be the brave warrior that he was before and he will once again win.”

These courageous warriors and others would welcome your thoughts and prayers. We cannot let cancer win. Please consider giving generously to the cause by clicking the DONATE button (top of page) so that one day there will be a world without cancer. Every dollar you donate to Pedal the Cause goes directly to fund innovative research at the two world renowned cancer research institutions: Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Thank you!