Over two years ago, on September 15, 2022, my life turned upside down. The words spoken by the radiologist still ring in my head. “I see a mass”. It was breast cancer. But it was early stage and I was assured and reassured of one word - “curable”. Following a mastectomy two months later, more tests and scans were run for a baseline prior to my chemotherapy and radiation treatments scheduled to begin the following week. Then, the unimaginable happened. CT scans and PET scans showed spots in my lungs. The cancer had already spread, and I was facing an advanced diagnosis of Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (or MBC). Our world not only turned upside once again, but it was shaken like a snow globe. When I learned of this diagnosis, all I heard was a death sentence. But I am beyond blessed to be treated at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Thirty years ago, this diagnosis WAS a death sentence, and I would most likely be gone by now. But today I am not just surviving, I am thriving. This is all thanks to the devoted and tireless research for cancer treatment. And while MBC is not curable (yet!), it is treatable. And manageable. Extremely manageable. I am on a course of hormone therapy and oral chemotherapy, the disease is at bay right now, and I feel fantastic! Where do I begin to count my blessings for this? Well, one place is to give back. For those of you who know me, you know I love a good spin class and have for the last eight years. Last year I became a certified instructor and now teach three spin classes a week. So on February 1, 2025, two of my worlds will collide – a world I love and a world I was thrown in to. Spin bikes will be set up in Fenway Park (indoors!) to raise money for on-going cancer research and 100% of every rider-raised dollar goes to ongoing cancer research at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In my book, its a win-win and I am honored to be what is called a Living Proof rider.

Thank you for taking the time to read “Why I Ride”. Thank you for supporting me, not only financially, but especially emotionally. I could not and would not be where I am in this treatment without the love and friendship from all of you. You are an indescribable source of strength and I am blessed to have you in my life and part of this journey.

Everyday I am grateful. Everyday I am hopeful. I look forward to the day when we can end this terrible disease for everyone. Thank you for being part of that beautiful goal!

xo