The ride begins in front of the Norton Cancer Institute, where every day, patients undergo the latest cancer treatments, research is conducted, and people support their loved ones.

For most riders, getting on the bike is personal. For Chris Crews and his wife Monica, this event is part memorial, part victory ride and part holiday.

A diagnosis

After a chiropractor’s X-ray showed some irregular results in 2010, Chris went to his family physician. There were more tests, including a CT scan and a biopsy, which confirmed the worst: cancer. Chris was eventually diagnosed with lymphoma. He was 36 years old.

Through it all, Chris’s mom, Alberta, was there for him. “She was my biggest supporter,” he said. Mother and son spoke often over the years of intense treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation. Finally, Chris was in the clear – the oncologist told him to keep up with yearly bloodwork with his regular physician.

The family didn’t have very long to revel in Chris’s cancer-free status — Alberta was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2017. During her treatment, it was Chris’s turn to be a source of comfort, information and support for his mom. “She would call to talk about treatments and what to expect and that kind of thing.”

A Special Bond

Chris and Alberta always had a close relationship. “I’m much younger than my three older siblings, so they were out of the house by then,” Chris said. He was eight when his father passed away. “It was just me and my mom.” Alberta focused on her son and her Catholic faith to get her through difficult times.

They spoke often, especially during their respective cancer diagnoses. Two themes stand out to Chris about chats during that time, wisdom from a woman who had lived 73 years in this world: life is short and take care of your health. “My diagnosis and then my mom’s diagnosis really made me aware of my health in general,” he said.

Perhaps the strong bond between mother and son, catalyzed by their cancer diagnoses, was what made her death in 2018 so devastating.

Just like riding a bike

A vacation in 2019 sparked Chris and his wife Monica into more serious cycling. “We rented bikes on the trip and when we got back, we started biking for health reasons.” That was also their first year participating in Bike to Beat Cancer.

“It’s odd, I remember my first oncology visit at Norton Cancer Institute. There were these brochures in the waiting room for Bike to Beat Cancer,” Chris said. “I thought, ‘Well, that’s interesting but that’s not for me.’” Little did he know that less than a decade later, he and his wife and a team of supporters would create their own little holiday around this event.

Since 2019, Chris, Monica, and a rotating team of family and friends have ridden in BTBC. “We have always done 35 miles, but maybe this year we will make the jump to 62, or maybe 100,” the couple said.

A Holiday in September

For the Crewses, BTBC is a celebration, a memorial and an athletic event all rolled into one two-day event. “It really starts the day before the actual ride, at the Celebration of Courage,” Chris said. “Picking up packets and so forth, it all has a very welcoming and festive feel.” The next day, after fueling up with breakfast, they head to the starting line.

“There’s a tremendous sense of community, of support,” Chris said. “They treat the riders so well, it’s a really well-run and organized event. We look forward to this all year.”

Riding this route mimics a cancer journey. “There are ups and downs, there are times when you feel really good, and times when you have to push through,” Chris said. “My mom and I, during our treatments, rallied around the idea of one day at a time. If that’s too much, get through the next 6 hours. If that’s too much, get through the next hour. Or the next 15 minutes.” The name “Team 182” is a reference to Alberta’s days in retail. “Her timeclock number was 182,” Chris said. “Her motto was to just keep going, moving forward, one foot in front of the other.” Or in this case, one more push of the pedal.

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As a two-time cancer survivor, it was overwhelming to be a part of the event’s survivor’s parade. In 2015, Claudia had melanoma. Then, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2021. It was the same year she first signed up for Bike to Beat Cancer — but her cancer diagnosis derailed those plans. Less than two years later, she was back in the ride as a survivor, healthy and overwhelmed with emotions.

“I’m not a big emotional person, but I just cried,” Claudia said. “It was amazing: the feeling that you made it, and you’re there helping other people that are coming after you. And what a difference it can make, every little bit does.”

In her job at the hospital, Claudia provides physical therapy for patients, and while she works with all types of people, she often finds herself assisting cancer patients on the oncology floor.

“I try to be someone who is there for people, especially those who don’t have support or family. I’ve been with people in the room when a doctor told them they have cancer that can never be cured,” she said.

In addition to guiding patients through their physical therapy treatment plans, Claudia tries to be a calm and supportive voice. She remembers what it was like to feel shocked and scared during her own cancer experience.

“I had to get four surgeries on my face to remove the skin cancer,” Claudia said. “After I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I needed surgery, plus six months of treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation.”

According to Claudia, she was able to remain positive during her cancer journey by relying on God, her husband, Gary, and a solid group of family, close friends and her oncology team at Norton Cancer Institute. The support she received underlies her personal mission of being there for others, especially those who face similar battles.

Fighting cancer “is something you do with others — not by yourself. Especially for me, it was hard accepting help when you’re always the one building people up,” Claudia said. “It’s important to allow others to help you.”

Claudia just finished a yearlong doctorate-level certification as a precursor to launching her own business as a life coach. She plans her first group sessions to be with cancer survivors. 

For this year’s Bike to Beat Cancer, Claudia plans to do either a 15-mile or 35-mile ride. During her ride, she will rely on the support of her team, just like she did during her cancer treatment. Her goal is to cross the finish line — not only for herself, but for other cancer survivors and patients.

“The whole theme of the [ride] is what it’s going to take to try and find a cure,” she said. “It’s all about working together and relying on other people.”

Because fighting cancer takes a team. And finding a cure for cancer takes an even bigger team, a community, and a lot of hope. But with the support of others, anything is possible. Even the toughest challenges.

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“During the Bike to Beat Cancer, I love to ride alongside someone who I can tell just got on their bike not long ago and ask, “Why are you riding?” Ron said. “You know riding is not what they do. They are there for some important personal reason.”

The riders will share their story about why they got on a bike to ride 35, 65 or even 100 miles. Sometimes it is for their mom, dad or another loved one. Sometimes it is for a friend.  Sometimes it is for themselves.
“It’s those folks who inspire me, and I just go, ‘Wow!’” said Ron, who is system vice president, mission and outreach, Norton Healthcare.

Fifteen years ago, Ron got on a bike for the first time since childhood to ride in the first Bike to Beat Cancer. A friend helped him purchase a bike off of eBay and gave him a pair of his old bike shoes.

Ron laughs as he describes his first time on one of the “long” training rides. He had just started using clips that secure a rider’s shoes to the pedals and describes riding up a “hill,” which now, as an avid rider, he says was just a small incline. 

“People were falling over as we went up, and I remember thinking, “I can’t help you. I don’t know what I’m doing myself!”

On that training ride, Ron got separated from the leader, lost his paper that had route instructions and didn’t bring his phone. He eventually made it back to Middletown with a great sense of relief.

Hundreds of miles and many years later, Ron is captain of the Holy Rollers team in Bike to Beat Cancer. He also is one of the ride’s mentors, helping newer riders as they begin their own journey. Several years ago, Ron started and helped organize a rider support team for the day of the ride. This is a group of seasoned riders serving as a presence of support and assistance for all riders as they are out on the Bike to Beat Cancer routes.

I tell new riders, “It’s going to be OK. We’ll take care of you and get you home. It will be worth it. Just keep pedaling to the next stop,” Ron said.  

As a veteran of the Bike to Beat Cancer planning committee, Ron has had a hand in many of the signature pieces of the event that help with the rider experience. He built two large stands for banners that each year riders, volunteers and loved ones can write on to remember and honor friends and loved ones who experienced cancer. These banners have become a beloved tradition at the start and finish line for Bike to Beat Cancer and are filled with names by the end of the ride.

He also established and helps to oversee the ride’s Mile of Silence. This is a section of the route in The Parklands of Floyds Fork in which riders have the opportunity to reflect on why they are riding. Bike to Beat Cancer “I ride for …” signs are placed alongside signs signifying loved ones, friends, patients and colleagues the riders are honoring. Some 25 banners from previous years line the bridge, and soft music plays at the beginning of the experience. This is a beloved part of the Bike to Beat Cancer route, with many participants determined to ride at least 35 miles so they can experience it.  

Whether it is helping to organize one of the special parts of Bike to Beat Cancer or riding alongside the last group of riders to make sure they cross the finish line, for Ron, it is about connecting riders to the experience. 

“It is about the mission. Not the mileage,” Ron said.

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“Cassie took it in stride,” said her mother, Jackie Schembari. “She was a fighter for two years. She went through a lot of treatments. It was a battle she fought like a hero. Her inner spirit was just hard to even put to words.” 

After Cassie passed away, Jackie and her husband, Anthony, wanted to honor Cassie by giving to cancer charities. They donated to large, national foundations but decided they wanted to make an impact closer to home.

Attending a presentation with their friend April West, a Norton Healthcare manager, the Schembaris learned about the Norton Healthcare Foundation’s first Bike to Beat Cancer 15 years ago. They have been involved ever since.

According to Jackie, the day of the ride is always an emotional experience for the family and members of Team Bryant at the family business, Bryant Heating & Cooling, the “Powered by” sponsor for the Bike to Beat Cancer.

“Just watching the day unfold is amazing. Watching the people come together: It’s a rush of emotions being with teams and people that care so much,” Jackie said. “It means a lot not only to us but a lot of other people watching the people from Norton [Healthcare] put their heart and soul into it.”

Jackie said she is touched by the participation of Norton Healthcare volunteers and riders — doctors, nurses, administrators and others. 

“They are there because they want to be, not because they have to be. There’s a genuine connection all the way through the organization,” Jackie said.

“We have also had incredible support from Team Bryant members throughout the 15 years that keeps pushing us to the next year,” Jackie said. “It keeps the family and the team strong.”

Jackie rode the first few years. This year, she’ll watch the riders at the start, help at the Team Bryant-supported pit stop and then head back to Norton Cancer Institute – Brownsboro to cheer on the team’s riders and all the finishers.

Anthony has ridden every year and will be riding again this year. Sons Anthony Jr. and Dante will join their father on the ride, as they have since 2010.

All of the funds raised in Bike to Beat Cancer go directly to support Norton Cancer Institute’s mission to cure cancer and eliminate suffering. Jackie said she especially likes knowing that contributions help other families who face not only the emotional but financial burden of cancer.

“I know from our personal experience the cost to travel to a facility for treatment. That’s what’s so important,” Jackie said.

She noted that the Norton Cancer Institute – Brownsboro facility includes such amenities as the Healing Garden, where patients and family members can enjoy a moment of peace.

“Just seeing how the facility is laid out and knowing we may have had a small piece of making that happen — it’s a truly special place. If you’ve been to cancer facilities, not many take into consideration patients’ emotional needs.”

According to Jackie, Bike to Beat Cancer is just what her family needed as they lived with the grief of losing Cassie. Norton Healthcare staff and volunteers give her family and other families who are facing — or who have faced — cancer a feeling of generosity, kindness and support. They understand families like hers still need support, even years later.

“It’s the kitchen table, hometown feeling. They are there to support us,” she said. “This is something that has moved our whole family. They truly have done a special job since the very first event.”

The post Bike to Beat Cancer is an emotional time for the Schembari family and the rest of Team Bryant appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

He participated in the Norton Healthcare Foundation’s first Bike to Beat Cancer 15 years ago, and he’ll be riding again in September, an unbroken string of rides to raise money for patients at Norton Cancer Institute and Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine.

Bryan did the first ride as a physical challenge, but as he’s gotten older the ride has meant more and more to him personally.

“I’ve had two co-workers who died of cancer. One of my best friends has bladder cancer, and he’s dealing with that now. As you get older you know more and more people who get cancer,” Bryan said.

The first Bike to Beat Cancer was a two-day ride to Lexington and back, 75 miles each way. Most riders camped out overnight and got soaked in a torrential downpour. Bryan stayed with his brother and showed up for the ride back to Louisville rested and dry, earning a few sour looks from fellow riders.

Bryan, vice president for finance and operations with Norton Medical Group, was a manager at the time. His son, Will, was 3 years old. As Bryan was heading toward the finish line, his son came running toward him. Bryan stopped, afraid his bike was going to hit him. The two walked across the finish line together, Bryan’s hand on his son’s head, in a moment captured by the Courier Journal newspaper.

Ten years later, they recreated that pose. Now, Will is a high school senior and taller than his father. The young man will be volunteering at the finish line, and they will once again walk across the finish line together.

“That gives you a sense of time and how quickly it goes by,” Bryan said.

Riders can now choose the distance they ride: 5, 15, 35, 65, or 100 miles. They can also do a spin ride or a virtual ride.

“It’s the premier event for bikers in Louisville now,” said Bryan, who plans to see how he’s feeling after 35 miles before he decides whether to ride 65 miles.

In addition to participating in the first Bike to Beat Cancer, another memorable ride was the 20th anniversary of 9/11, according to Bryan. Firetrucks had their ladder raised, and a large American flag adorned the start and finish line.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ride was a “chose your own route” format without the normal gathering. For Bryan, Bike to Beat Cancer is much more fun when the community gets together to participate.

“Seeing all my co-workers outside of work is my favorite thing. If they’re volunteering, I can stop and say hi,” Bryan said.

Bryan relies on regular contributors for fundraising for his ride, including a co-worker whose wife is a breast cancer survivor and a retired co-worker who is also a breast cancer survivor. He takes pictures along the way and sends them to his supporters.

As someone involved in finance, Bryan says he knows every dollar goes directly to the cause.

“I know Norton Healthcare is a good steward of the funds because I live it every day,” Bryan said.

Bryan considers himself a runner, not a cyclist. He has run 27 marathons and used to be a marathon coach for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This year, as in all the others, he’ll be on the same bicycle, a 25-year-old Trek, and he’ll be wearing tennis shoes, not bike shoes.

Participating in Bike to Beat Cancer gives him a chance to do his part in the fight against cancer. 

“I’m not a doctor. If you can raise money and that money can go somewhere to help people with cancer, why not? Everybody can do something,” Bryan said. “I’m nothing special.”

Bryan does have a special streak going, and he plans to keep riding in Bike to Beat Cancer as long as he can. “Now it’s like how many years can I do it in a row?” he said.

The post Over 15 years of Bike to Beat Cancer, Bryan Redick has ridden through it all appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

As a hematologist/oncologist, Dr. Agrawal has dedicated her career to caring for people with cancer. For her, it’s important to join others outside of work to acknowledge cancer’s impact on families in Louisville and throughout Kentucky.

“So many people are diagnosed with cancer or have a loved one or friend who has cancer. It’s a wonderful way to get together as a community and support those who are affected by cancer in our area,” Dr. Agrawal said.

Dr. Agrawal, her husband, Arpit Agrawal, M.D., a cardiologist, and their 6- and 8-year-old daughters plan to take part in the 5-mile Family Ride. The Agrawals rode last year, and Dr. Laila Agrawal said her family enjoyed the experience.

“It was special to see so many families, caregivers, co-workers and Norton Healthcare employees come out for this event,” said Dr. Laila Agrawal, who specializes in treating breast cancer at Norton Cancer Institute.

As a physician, Dr. Laila Agrawal strives to get to know every one of her patients as a person — to learn what is important in their lives and to tailor their treatment accordingly. Seeing them at Bike to Beat Cancer — with their families and outside of the hospital — is one more way to get to know and support her patients personally.

Dr. Laila Agrawal was inspired to become an oncologist after her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy and survival.

“For me, it’s very personal because my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was a child,” she said. “It shapes the way I am as an oncologist. She’s been a great inspiration to me.”

Even as Dr. Laila Agrawal never forgets the human side of healing, she knows the importance of advances in medicine in the fight against cancer, and she is involved in research and clinical trials.

Funds raised by Bike to Beat Cancer help patients of Norton Cancer Institute and Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine.

In addition to the 5-mile Family Ride, participants in Bike to Beat Cancer, which starts at Norton Cancer Institute – Brownsboro, can choose a 15-, 35-, 65-, or 100-mile supported ride, or an hourlong spin ride or a virtual ride.

“It’s such a meaningful and wonderful cause when it helps people close to home,” Dr. Laila Agrawal said.

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One statistic caught William’s attention: 1 out of 2 men will experience cancer. Then age 49, William found himself considering those odds.

“Dang, 1 out of 2 of us is going to experience cancer,” he recalled thinking.

He immediately thought he wouldn’t be the person experiencing cancer.

Three years later, William’s journey regularly brings him back to that moment, to those thoughts. Only a few months after that ride — William’s first Bike to Beat Cancer after purchasing a bicycle — a Norton Cancer Institute physician diagnosed the Louisville native with stage 4 prostate cancer. But he hasn’t stopped pedaling and pushing since, with a plan to bike 100 miles Sept. 10 in this year’s Bike to Beat Cancer, just like he did in last year’s event.

“There’s a mantra we have that my mother would say,” said William, whose mother, Leslie, and aunt both experienced cancer. “There’s ‘No quit in Cohen.’”

He never quite went around telling people he had cancer. A big part of his story is how much he kept the diagnosis and treatment to himself — not out of embarrassment or disappointment. The Waggener High School and Eastern Kentucky University graduate is just a doer — he simply wanted to get on with the doctors’ attack plan.

Now, having just passed the three-year anniversary of his diagnosis, with a recent scan coming back with “no disease detected,” William finds himself speaking up about the importance of getting regular checkups and keeping a close eye on one’s health.

“Everybody handles it differently,” William said. “I handled it in a private way, but if I tell my story, maybe I can help somebody in their process.”

William, who is Black, saw another jaw-dropping statistic.

African American men have about a 15% chance of developing prostate cancer compared with about a 10% chance for white men, according to the National Cancer Institute. African American men also are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive disease. 

When a high school friend who maintained an active lifestyle as a basketball trainer was recently diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer, it hit home for William. His friend thought he was so healthy that he never visited the doctor.

William said he kept regular doctor’s appointments, yet still developed cancer. He wants others to have the opportunity for successful treatment like he’s had.

“The fact that it’s more prevalent in African Americans — I want to get in front of them and talk to them about early detection so they can get in those doctor appointments even when they’re thinking they’re healthy,” William said. “There’s stigma in the African American community about going to see the doctor. But there’s no discrimination when it comes to poor, middle-class or wealthy — cancer affects everybody.”

William has worked a lifetime in sales. He founded and ran Smoothie Q and two frozen yogurt shops in Louisville, and he now works as an area sales manager for an automotive marketing firm. (His wife, Stacy, is a director in the care continuum department at Norton Healthcare.)

William also is starting a bourbon brand, and its philanthropic arm will focus on educating African American men about prostate cancer, its detection and diagnosis.

“I want to pivot the passion for bourbon right here in Kentucky to align with what’s going on in my community,” William said.

That’s where the cycling comes in, too. In addition to chemotherapy, doctors originally prescribed a treatment to effectively crush William’s prostate cancer by robbing it of testosterone. The treatment was successful, but the loss of testosterone flattened William. He would ride hard with his cycling group, then be stuck in bed for a few days after the outing.

Slowly but surely, William built his strength back through perseverance and determination. He got to the point, he said, “where you don’t fear the pain.”

“Bike to Beat Cancer and riding my bike is like riding to live,” he said. “I just go hard. There are no off-days. Tomorrow is not promised. I live with it, as there is no cure for stage 4 prostate cancer. Being told ‘no disease detected’ [on my last scan] is due to my mustard seed faith and God’s grace.”

There is no quit in Cohen.

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At the start of 2022, Missy’s cancer took a turn, becoming more aggressive and causing her a great deal of pain.

Cancer is never beautiful, never fair. On Jan. 22, 2022, Missy passed away, crossing the finish line in her battle with cancer.

I wish Missy’s story had a different ending. The kind of ending where Missy victoriously celebrates her 25-year remission by crossing the finish line at Bike to Beat Cancer.

While this is not the case for Missy, her legacy will live on as we continue her fight with her same determination and strength for the other Missys of this world through Bike to Beat Cancer.

Missy was a beloved member of the Bike to Beat Cancer family for more than a decade. Since 2014, she had volunteered to coordinate more than 500 volunteers across two days. Each year, she made sure we had enough volunteers to support the ride and that each of those volunteers had a great experience. She was at Bike to Beat Cancer before the first light of dawn, and she would not leave until the last rider crossed the finish line — rain or shine.

In March 2020, Missy began to notice weakness in her right leg and reduced range of motion when flexing her right foot, as well as back and hip pain. While increasing her walking during the start of the pandemic, Missy noticed increased difficulty. After a couple of months, she went to physical therapy to see if that would help fix the issue. After a month of physical therapy and receiving minimal results, her doctor ordered a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, and a small mass was discovered on her spinal cord at the conus.

In August 2020, the team at Norton Neuroscience Institute performed a T12-L1 laminectomy surgery to try to remove the 1 centimeter mass from Missy’s spine. The surgery went well, and most of the mass was removed and sent to pathology. Missy was diagnosed with grade 4 astrocytoma of the spinal cord, H3 K27M-mutant glioma.

Missy began a first treatment course of chemotherapy and radiation at Norton Cancer Institute in September 2020.

Month after month, Missy fought cancer her way — with grit, determination, humor and the same strength she had used to participate in Tough Mudder runs (one of her former hobbies). She kept on fighting despite nausea, fatigue, hives and the many other side effects that come with chemo and radiation.

“On the nights when I have to take Temodar, I cup the pill in my left hand and then clasp my right hand over my left. I close my eyes and I feel it resting against my skin. That little pill represents so much. So much pain. So much anger. So much desperation. So much hope. It’s the hope I focus on when I hold it in my hand,” she said. “I hold it there willing it to continue to fight off cancer.”

Mixed in with her treatment, Missy persevered through intense physical therapy sessions to try to regain as much mobility in her foot as possible. On top of all of this, Missy had to take extra precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic and stayed dedicated to her job at Norton Healthcare as director of provider development. Most important, she was a loving wife and a proud mom to two girls.

“Being their mom during this has filled me with so many emotions. I think often about who they are now and the people they will become. I want to be there for all of it. I fight to be there for all of it. I question if I have instilled in them all they will need if I am not here for all of it. I cry over their beauty and uniqueness. Their feisty spirits that are so different yet equally strong. My heart literally aches when I think about it,” Missy said.

Throughout the spring and summer of 2021, Missy continued to support Bike to Beat Cancer. She coordinated volunteers for the 2021 event and served as captain for Team Missy. She hosted a fundraising ride at CycleBar in May, where she raised over $1,200. Missy talked about how much more important Bike to Beat Cancer was to her because of her experience.

“I know I am fortunate. Others are not. I have spent over 20 years of my life raising money for cancer programs, and didn’t have a true sense of how badly those services were needed until now,” Missy said. “I am thankful for the work I have done in the past, but have quickly realized there’s so much more that needs to happen and so many people who need help.”

Missy was at Bike to Beat Cancer last year from early morning until late in the day, managing volunteers and cheering on each of the riders, including her own team. Team Missy was one of the top teams in 2021, raising more than $8,100 to support the work of Norton Cancer Institute.

Shortly after Bike to Beat Cancer, Missy marked the one-year anniversary of her diagnosis.

“The thing I remember most about this day last year was how unprepared we were. Even if I had the slightest inclination that something was amiss, I was not prepared for the harsh reality of cancer. Looking back on this day was hard, but I have had harder ones since then,” Missy said. “The reality didn’t fully set in until I was away from the doctors and the business aspect of establishing a plan to fight a cancer that is terminal.

“We are fighting for more time. Period. Not a cure. There isn’t one. I will never be free of this cancer. It doesn’t work that way. That is the most devastating thing I remember from last year, and it’s been a hard reality to face.”

Missy continued her treatment in the fall of 2021, facing each round of chemo and radiation with strength. She also explored clinical trials with her care team at the Norton Cancer Institute to try to find what she wanted most — time.

“Major events are hard. Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, etc. all have a bit of a dark cloud over them even when I don’t want them to. Each thing I participate in feels bittersweet, and I mourn a future that I may not have. This leads to planning in ways that I never wanted to plan and having conversations I am not ready to have,” she said.

To help prepare, Missy kept a notebook of important things she wanted to tell her girls and husband — songs she loved and why, notes about what was currently happening in their lives and what she wanted them to know about major milestones.

“I have two ‘about Mom’ books for Cara and Ramsey to tell them all about my crazy life. I have another book that captures all the ‘business’ stuff related to things like passwords and bank accounts and what type of funeral you want, or don’t,” she said. “It’s difficult to think about what you would tell your kids when they graduate high school when one of them is only in the sixth grade. It’s difficult to think about words of wisdom for their possible marriages when they have never experienced love.

“I am doing well right now and tell myself I will be here to meet my grandchildren, but the reality is, none of us are guaranteed that. We live like we are, until we are not.”

Losing a treasured member of our Bike to Beat Cancer family is not easy, but I have no doubt that Missy’s spirit will be right there with us at this year’s Bike to Beat Cancer as we cheer on the last rider as they cross the finish line.

Anne Cannon is director of events/donor relations for the Norton Healthcare Foundation and Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation.

The post A 20-year volunteer in the fight against cancer crosses her final finish line appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

How many years have you participated in Bike to Beat Cancer?

2022 will mark my sixth year riding in Bike to Beat Cancer. I hope to participate each year from now until I can no longer keep myself upright on a bike … at which point I will just transition to an electric recumbent bike and keep rolling along!

What first made you interested in participating?

I love people. I love cycling, and raising funds to support the worthy cause of curing cancer to eliminate suffering was the perfect motivational trifecta for me to join Bike to Beat Cancer. I also had two colleagues who were the catalyst for me to ride my first Bike to Beat Cancer in 2016, well, and the opportunity to wear all spandex!

Is there someone or people in particular you ride for?

I ride for anyone impacted by cancer in some way or another either directly, or through someone close to them — which is, unfortunately, far too many people. More personally, my mom, dad, sister-in-law, grandparents, aunts, friends and so many others all have experienced cancer firsthand. I ride for all of them, including those individuals who are no longer with us. In addition, I ride for all of the amazing medical staff who support cancer patients and their families. Better together — always!

I dedicated my latest ride to my sister-in-law. She is a cancer warrior, survivor, a loving mother to two young sons and loving wife to her husband. (We love you! You are amazing!)

What is your favorite part of the ride?

Wearing spandex, of course! All joking aside, I love Bike to Beat Cancer’s overall focus to bring people together to share their stories and ride for a great cause! As we always say, “There are no strangers on Bike to Beat Cancer day!” I have met so many great people participating for a variety of different reasons each year.

Is there a moment in particular from one of your rides that stands out to you?

Ha-ha — there was one year in particular where a colleague and I dressed up and rode as Spiderman and Captain America. Well, Captain America experienced a flat tire about a mile into the ride. Captain America also forgot his bike repair bag that day, so Spiderman luckily had the tools, tube and air to help him out and quickly get him rolling again. It was quite the spectacle to see Spiderman changing Captain America’s tire on the side of the road while others cycled and drove by.

Also, a few years ago the same colleague and I cycled with our sons in tow in bike trailers, and we stopped at an aid station located at a fire station. A firefighter was there and graciously allowed our sons to climb into the fire truck — which they loved, since they were probably quite tired of riding in the bike trailer.

When you are trying to push through those last few miles, and you are struggling, what keeps you pedaling?

Coffee in my bottle … coupled with the motivating thought of the great food and snacks at the finish line! Again, all joking aside, I think about individuals who have, are, and may be battling cancer at some point. Any insignificant “struggles” I experience in the saddle pale in comparison to anything they experience. That is a humbling, yet motivating reflection to keep me going each and every year at Bike to Beat Cancer and each and every day in general.

Is there any advice you would give to a new rider or someone thinking about participating in Bike to Beat Cancer?

Absolutely — just do it and come join us! Bike to Beat Cancer offers a variety of different routes and mileage options — even spin and virtual options — to meet everyone’s preferences and experience levels. Also, Bike to Beat Cancer has great training ride options before the big day to prepare riders for the experience. Everyone is out there unified together to help one another and create a great experience each and every year!

When it comes to fundraising, do you have any advice?

I find that telling an emotional story that resonates with people is a way to really connect with others and boost awareness of cancer research, support, and Bike to Beat Cancer in general. Outside of that, definitely use a blended mix of different communication platforms/mediums to gain visibility and reach as many people as you can: texting, social media, Bike to Beat Cancer website. Fundraising reminders never hurt as well to help others remember to donate.

What impact do you hope that you make through Bike to Beat Cancer?

I strive to continue increasing visibility and participation each year to help others get out to ride/exercise, meet and support one another and raise funds to continue funding the battle against cancer. As with anything in life, it takes a village, and better together, for sure!

The post Meet Eric Winke: Riding in Bike to Beat Cancer for fun and to support patients appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Why, you ask? Annemarie answers without hesitation, “Who cares that I’m in Massachusetts and you’re in Kentucky? We’re all in this battle together.”

Annemarie heard about Bike to Beat Cancer through her brother, Joseph M. Flynn, D.O., MPH, FACP, chief administrative officer of Norton Medical Group and physician-in-chief at Norton Cancer Institute.

“Joe is so passionate about his work and Bike to Beat Cancer,” Annemarie said. “He works so hard to find a cure and cares so much about his patients. I wanted to support my brother and his work.”

Annemarie, Dr. Flynn and their other five siblings are a tight network of support for each other. That support was on full display when Annemarie was diagnosed with bladder cancer in July 2018. According to Annemarie, Dr. Flynn was there for her every step of the way, providing her reassurance and support.

While he is a physician specializing in oncology, Annemarie said, “He is my brother first.”

In January 2019, Annemarie had a radical cystectomy to remove her bladder.

“In a matter of months, at the beginning of that year, my life changed forever,” Annemarie said.

She was barely able to walk to the end of her driveway after surgery. However, inspired by her brother and sister-in-law who ride in memory of their mom — who passed away from cancer — and for their dad, a cancer survivor, Annemarie registered for the virtual 35-mile Bike to Beat Cancer ride that September.

Annemarie loved the virtual option because it allowed her to participate in pieces over about a week. It was a hard ride for her, but, self-described as “stubborn,” she persevered. Her favorite part of her ride?

“Finishing. It was a major accomplishment for me. The fact that I could get on the bike and finish — that was a steppingstone back to normal life,” she said.

Throughout her journey, Annemarie felt a desire to give back. This was not only through fundraising but also through awareness and education.

“I am teacher at heart,” Annemarie said.

She volunteers to mentor those newly diagnosed with bladder cancer. She tries to raise awareness and provide an example to others with cancer by riding her bike.

“You get that diagnosis and your world changes forever,” Annemarie said. “Think about a person with an ostomy bag raising money for other people. Think about what that does for people. It shows them that, ‘I’m going to be OK.’ It also shows people that anyone can ride.”

For those who are not interested in riding, Annemarie encourages them to volunteer or make a gift as a show of support for a loved one battling cancer.

“Making a gift is a tangible way that people can help and show support. As a cancer survivor, you feel that support,” Annemarie said.

The post Biking to beat cancer and supporting others — from Massachusetts appeared first on Norton Healthcare.