BellRinger is a bike ride and a year-round effort to end cancer. As many of you know, I became a cancer researcher because of my Mom, inspired by her ability to manage her initial diagnosis of breast cancer in 1992. I saw her read and make notes in Dr. Susan Love's "Breast Book" - learning about her diagnosis and engaging with her doctors to make decisions about her treatment. Then in 2000, when the cancer returned, her experiences at the end of life made me want to make a difference for families who experience these same challenges and the true heartache that comes from losing a loved one too early. We also lost my cousin, Sally Ballard Joseph, to a blood cancer at way too young an age. I still miss Sally's beautiful smile and the light she brought to the world.
Cancer treatment has progressed a long way in the past 25 years - all due to cutting edge research. Unfortunately, obtaining funding for cancer research is more difficult than ever. I am proud that 100% of the funds raised through BellRinger go to support cancer research. One of the students I mentored received summer research funding from BellRinger to study how treatment for thyroid cancer negatively affects patients' ability to taste foods and overall quality of life. Another member of our team is now studying how to help reduce those negative side effects and manage the symptoms to improve thyroid cancer patients' quality of life. My own research, which includes a project to support patients diagnosed with a blood cancer, has been affected by recent changes at the National Institutes of Health. Research makes a difference, and every dollar counts. Thank you for any support you can provide.
This will be my 4th year riding 25 miles to raise funds that support cancer research. Across these 4 years, I've ridden ~600 miles to train and ride for the BellRinger event. I am looking forward to the ride on October 25, 2025. Now more than ever any level of donation make a difference. I invite you to join me by donating to support life-saving cancer research at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Thank you!
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