Pedal the Cause

TEN YEARS!  On September 11, 2024 it will have been ten years since I’ve had my surgery.  I remember standing behind my boys as they sat on the couch wondering how it was possible that they could be raised without a father.  I cried, I prayed and I fought.   Just two weeks ago I dropped them both off at their colleges.  Prayers answered, fighting well worth it and more tears.

I did not take on this fight alone, my family was a tremendous source of support and love and I could not have done it without Anna, Roger and William to support me.  In many ways the demand on them was more difficult than it was on me.  Their love and support never wavered.  Family can be amazing.

What I could have never expected was the love and support from my friends and colleagues.  I don’t have the words to explain how wonderful people were for me and my family.  We received a never-ending supply of love, support and food.  Cancer was terrible and I hate it, but seeing the love and support I received from my friends, from people I worked with and from people I barely knew was amazing.  I cannot thank each of you enough.

Each day continues to be a fight, some days are easier than others.  Most of you know my story well.  I underwent major cancer surgery.  A short while after the maxillectomy, reconstruction of my orbital floor, and the extraction of bones, teeth, tissue and cancer, I went through multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.  However, now ten years later, because of you all, because of the doctors and staff at the Siteman Cancer Center, I got to drop my children off at college.

One other constant has been riding for Pedal the Cause.  Doctors often tell me that it's a wonder I am alive today.  The cancer I had was aggressive and not common, and the odds were against me.  I owe much of my survival to Siteman's research and doctors.  That is why I ride each year: to help raise contributions to further Siteman Cancer Center's research and practices and to celebrate still being alive and able to pedal a bike with my family and friends for a really good cause.

I am proud of making it ten years, I have been so very proud of the support given to me and to the support you have given to Pedal the Cause.  Last year I was not able to ride, but I promise I tried.  This year Anna and I are on track to take on the course again.  The boys will be riding with us in spirit.  I am sure they will be very busy studying.

I personally thank you for the support you have given me, for the support you have given Pedal the Cause and I thank you for whatever you can do to continue to support this fight against cancer.

I am proud to join Pedal the Cause in the fight against cancer. Pedal the Cause is more than the region's largest cancer fundraiser. It's a way of life, a celebration, a family and a movement fueled by the courage to end cancer.

Please support my efforts by donating to my fundraiser, and 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.