Ambassadors
Welcome to 2025!
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Alma Aguilar and Troy Reese
Elizabeth Cochran
Matty Connelly
Kimberley Craft
Kaylee Deutsch Armijo
Dr. Matthew Fero
Elaine Gronberg
Tim Harris
Jenson Family Ambassadors
Maria Limanovich
Laura Niel
James Paz
Petranovich Family Ambassadors
Deanna Rhodes
Joshua Rogers
Charles Rowland
Kristin Underwood
Christine Valdez
Mike Westphal
Sterling Wind & Deborah Agnew
- - Family Ambassadors
Connecting the Lobo Cancer Challenge community
All of our Ambassadors have demonstrated commitment and leadership in bringing their friends, family and community together to unite against cancer. They have a passion for helping others. Now, as a Lobo Cancer Challenge Ambassador, they can take their support for fellow New Mexicans in their cancer journey to another level; building relationships on behalf of the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, providing encouragement, and educating others on the importance of cancer research.
Alma Aguilar & Troy Reese
“We participate in the Lobo Cancer Challenge to honor loved ones affected by cancer and to support vital research and care services.”
Alma works at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, since 2016. She understands that the doors she walks into for work every day, has a very different meaning and purpose for our patients who come to the same building. She has been a part of the Lobo Cancer Challenge since the first year in 2017. She started by volunteering and was encouraged to get on a bike and participate. Alma took on the challenge and has been riding since. She asked her friend Troy to train and teach her how to ride a road bike. In 2019, Alma participated in her first 50 mile bike event, which was the Lobo Cancer Challenge. She became fast friends with other Challengers, including survivor and 2024 Ambassador Chaz Rowland. Troy also became more than a friend/trainer to Alma and they married June 8, 2024. Troy works at Sandia National Labs and was a motor cross competitor for years. These days he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, running and cycling. He is easing his way back into activity after knee surgery in July 2024. He and Alma love spending time together doing outdoor activities. He has become a huge supporter of the Lobo Cancer Challenge and they are excited to return as 2025 Ambassadors.
Troy and Alma are eager to participate in the Lobo Cancer Challenge with their deep personal connections to the cause and their desire to contribute meaningfully to cancer research and support services. Having witnessed loved ones battle cancer, Alma and Troy understand the profound emotional and physical toll it takes on patients and their families. By joining the Challenge, they aim to honor those affected by the disease and help raise critical funds that can lead to advancements in cancer treatments and patient care. Their participation is driven by a commitment to fostering hope, encouraging community involvement, and making a tangible difference in the fight against cancer.
They dedicate their challenge to everyone in their lives who have been affected by cancer, directly or indirectly.
Elizabeth Cochran
“I've proudly taken part in the Lobo Cancer Challenge every single year—and 2025 is no different!”
This event means the world to me. It's a chance to rally with friends and colleagues from The University of New Mexico Foundation, all united in one powerful mission: to raise awareness and critical funds for cancer care and research. Whether I’m riding or running, it’s always from the heart.
Cancer has deeply affected the Puerto Rican maternal side of my family. My abuela—whom I never had the chance to meet—and three of my tías all lost their lives to this disease. My mom and I carry their memories with us every day, and we’ll never forget the pain we witnessed. But here in New Mexico, there is hope. There is passion. There is progress. That’s why I continue to show up.
Each year, we come together—patients, caregivers, families, friends—and become a powerful force. The energy on event day is electric. There’s something magical about thousands of people moving as one, bonded by purpose and love.
“Being named an Ambassador is an incredible honor—because helping others is who I am.”
Three years ago, I wrote the name of my best friend on my bib. She was newly diagnosed with breast cancer, and I have never witnessed such strength, courage, and humor. She is my hero. To the entire team at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center: thank you for treating her with such kindness, as if she were your own.
Sadly, this year, I will add three more names to my bib who have joined the battle.
Let’s make 2025 unforgettable.
Matty Connelly
Cancer has had a presence in my life for as long as I can remember, so I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as an Ambassador for the 2025 Lobo Cancer Challenge.
Growing up I would hear adults talk about how “The Big C” had taken this ancestor or that grandparent from us too soon. Cancer took my uncle Dan, my grandfather, and my aunt.
But Cancer changed from a looming dark specter to something that could be fought, treated, and attacked. An elementary schoolteacher returned from cancer treatment and was in remission. My dad had some skin removed from his face but he otherwise prevailed. He was also diagnosed with prostate cancer, treated it aggressively, and successfully overcame it for more than twenty additional years of life. My uncle was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, but he lived for many years and enjoyed some of his life’s most rewarding experiences.
Cancer had morphed from “the Big Bad C” into a foe to be respected but nevertheless faced head on.
When I moved to New Mexico in 1994, my first new friend, Delores, was recovering from breast cancer surgery. Delores became a mentor and “chosen family” member whose resilience and admirable presence in my life as a New Mexican can never be fully described or overstated. Our relationship was formed in part by her successful pursuit of cancer treatment!
In April 2019, at 83, my dad finally succumbed to cancer. In the course of seeking solace and understanding, I learned of the Lobo Cancer Challenge. I participated as an individual that year with his name on my bib and convinced my company, YLAW, P.C., to become a Howler sponsor. My firm’s senior partner, Terrance Yenson, who had begun treatment in his own battle against prostate cancer, fully supported this sponsorship. Dear Delores and my senior partner are now on my Lobo Cancer Challenge bibs.
“Cancer is only a part of life. While cancer has power and influence, it is also subject to defeat and remission. YLAW, P.C. and I have been honored to take part in the Lobo Cancer Challenge since 2019. My personal goal is for everyone to believe that with determination, science, innovation, and good will, we can keep cancer at bay and serve cancer fighters and their families in filling their additional time with precious memories and joy.”
Kaylee Deutsch-Armijo
I am thrilled to be a returning ambassador for the 2025 Lobo Cancer Challenge!
As a thyroid cancer survivor, I know first hand how important it is to have access to world class doctors, excellent care, clinical trials, and support — all of which can be found at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center! As a young adult cancer survivor, I have been involved in the cancer research community since my diagnosis in 2011. My illness drove me to pursue a career in oncology clinical research and I am proud to still work in the field today. Clinical trials play a key role in providing life saving treatment to cancer patients- and your donation helps bring further treatment options to New Mexico’s cancer patients.
I have been involved with the Cancer Challenge since its inception and I am excited to participate again this year! Not only is the event a blast, but its even better knowing that the funds are used to help patients and caregivers within our beautiful state! We are so lucky to have a such a wonderful facility within our community and this event ensures that that we surround patients with the best medical treatments, care, and support now and for years to come!
“I hope to see you on the bike path, race course, or stairs this year!”
Matthew Fero
Together with his wife, Jutta, Dr. Matthew Fero moved to New Mexico in 2015 to start and direct The University of New Mexico’s Stem Cell Transplant Program and to establish a new cancer and bone marrow and blood stem cell research laboratory. The Fero Laboratory uses pre-clinical models to identify novel therapeutic targets for hematological malignancies, and to test the therapeutic efficacy of novel agents.
Before Dr. Fero’s arrival, patients requiring a bone marrow transplant to treat their cancer needed to travel out of state. Now, thanks to the Bone Marrow Transplant Program at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, they can receive this treatment in Albuquerque.
In addition to treating leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and offering stem cell transplantation, Dr. Fero is the Director of the Stem Cell Therapy Program and co-leader of the Hematology Clinical Working Group. Clinical trials offer the most recent developments in cancer treatments to patients.
On many fronts, Dr. Fero is instrumental in bringing innovative treatments for blood cancers to New Mexico. As a Team Captain in the Lobo Cancer Challenge, he calls his team the “Heme Team” to honor those facing hematological (blood-related) cancers.
The Heme Team was the Top Fundraising Team in 2018 and has been among the Top Three Fundraising Teams every year. Dr. Fero’s family and friends have come from as far away as California and Montana to join the Heme Team, and to ride their bicycles 100 miles and 50 miles in the Lobo Cancer Challenge in support of the UNM Cancer Center’s lifesaving cancer research.
Dr. Fero is the first to sign up for the Lobo Cancer Challenge every year, and the first physician from the Cancer Center to set up a team, earning Bib No. 1. Dr. Fero invites everyone to join the Heme Team, even if they choose to support other areas of cancer research and patient services.
Dr. Fero’s dedication to fighting blood cancers on behalf of the people of New Mexico is extraordinary.
“The Lobo Cancer Challenge helps us to fight cancer together,” says Dr. Fero.
Elaine Gronberg
How does a California native and resident become a Lobo Cancer Challenge participant? Well, I’ve been following my brother Matt’s lead since I was born... Matt’s just a year older than I am and growing up I considered him my very best friend. Together we were competitive pair figure skaters, runners, skiers, hikers, and at some point we both became cyclists.
I didn’t follow him, however, into medicine. My brother Matt became Dr. Matthew Fero, and is now an Oncologist at the UNM Cancer Center! In 2017, when Matt asked me to join his ‘Heme Team’ for the inaugural Lobo Cancer Challenge I couldn’t say no.
This time it wasn’t just to follow Matt’s lead, but because I believe that everyone should do what they can to help people fighting cancer, to help fund research, and to always help in their community, whether that community be local, national or global. I may live a few states away, but I’m not too far away to see the importance of New Mexicans having a comprehensive cancer center right in their own state.
Since I’m not in the medical field, a cancer researcher, a doctor or nurse, I’m thrilled that there is a way for me to help...by raising money and encouraging others to do the same. Over and over again I tell people that 100% of their donations go directly to patient care and research.
“This is so important! The UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center is making the very most of every dollar we donate, and I proudly support them!”
Tim Harris
“I am Tim Harris and I have participated in the Lobo Cancer Challenge for 4 years. This year is 5 and I will be doing the 25 mile bike ride with my New Jersey.
“I still love to continue to be a fighter and to help others fight their own battles.
“I got chosen to be an Ambassador for 2025 this year. I am so excited...
oh yeah!”
Tyler Jenson with mom Michelle Jenson
Tyler Jenson and the Jenson Family Ambassadors
We participate in the Lobo Cancer Challenge to take a stand against cancer and support those facing this difficult journey. When Tyler was diagnosed with cancer at 15 years old, it changed our family’s story forever. We understand firsthand the fear, uncertainty, and emotional rollercoaster that comes with a cancer diagnosis.
Cancer is now a part of our story — and it fuels our commitment to making a difference. For us, the Lobo Cancer Challenge is more than just an event; it’s a powerful reminder of the strength found in community, hope, and action. Every step taken and every dollar raised brings us closer to a world where cancer no longer holds power over families and their futures.
“Together, we can make a difference and offer hope to those in need!”
Laura Niel
When my cycling team, the New Mexico Spokettes, found out about the inaugural Lobo Cancer Challenge in 2017, we knew we wanted to participate as we are passionate about cycling and fighting cancer. I volunteered to be a team captain then and have continued in that role ever since. I am also a team captain for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). Our medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. I am honored to be an Ambassador this year.
The Lobo Cancer Challenge is an opportunity to remember and honor our family and friends who are no longer with us due to cancer and to support our family and friends fighting cancer. My cycling team rides in memory of our teammate Kathy Thompson who passed away from cancer just before the 2019 Lobo Cancer Challenge. My work team participates for loved ones and with gratitude for our professionals. My loved ones include my mom who died from cancer 33 years ago and my twin brother who has stage 4 cancer. I am hopeful our efforts will fund research that will help him and everyone fighting cancer. I am so thankful for the great medical teams providing care and doing research at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center. These efforts lead to more time with loved ones. The Lobo Cancer Challenge is a great time to celebrate them.
Cancer changes many lives. The Lobo Cancer Challenge is a way to fight back against cancer and support our community. One of my favorite quotes is the African proverb, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
Let's go together and make a difference.
James Paz
The Lobo Cancer Challenge is so important to me because I care about cancer patients in New Mexico. My brother Bob had acute myeloid leukemia and was treated at UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center. His treatment required a stem cell transplant and that was not an option at UNM at the time, or anywhere else in the state. I was identified as a match for the transplant, but we had to go out of state to get that done.
I knew that Dr Matthew Fero was working on getting a transplant clinic set up, and I wanted to help in any way I could to see that happen. I am so happy to see that stem cell transplant is a reality now at UNM.
I also recently lost my father-in-law David to biliary cancer. Both family members had very difficult, hard-to-treat cancers with poor survival rates, reminding us there is so much more work to do in research.
“In memory of my brother and father-in-law, I have volunteered and participated in the Lobo Cancer Challenge for the last 5 years and enjoy every bit of it.”
Family Ambassadors Steve, Kaitlin and Colleen Petranovich
We are so grateful this year to be Family Ambassadors for the Lobo Cancer Challenge!
About 5 years ago, our original team captain Marilee Petranovich (mom to Kaitlin and Colleen and wife to Steve) got us involved with the Lobo Cancer Challenge for the first time. When she first told us that she was going to bike 25 miles and wanted us to join her we thought she was crazy, but she inspired us all to start training. At that time she was in the midst of treatment for a very rare and aggressive gynecologic cancer, and she was getting excellent care at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center.
She was so immensely grateful for the care she had received that she wanted to do anything she could to give back, and the Lobo Cancer Challenge felt like the perfect opportunity.
Unfortunately Marilee passed away in September 2019, just weeks before what would have been her second Lobo Cancer Challenge. Up until her final few weeks she was absolutely determined that she would participate, no matter what.
“While we still grieve the loss of such an incredible person, we continue to be inspired by the attitude of joy, optimism, gratitude, and compassion that she always had.
“The UNM Cancer Center provided Marilee, and all of us, with a place of compassion, empathy, support, and most importantly hope during one of the most challenging times of our lives.
“It is our great honor to carry on her legacy and to continue supporting the Lobo Cancer Challenge in her memory.”
Sean Petranovich rides 50 miles for the Lobo Cancer Challenge in Denver every year
Deanna Rhodes
As a 2025 Lobo Cancer Challenge Ambassador, I'm honored to step into this role after years of dedicated involvement in the event. From volunteering to leading teams like The Pirates of the Cure-ibbean and participating as a walker and rider since its inception in 2017, my journey with the Lobo Cancer Challenge has been deeply personal and purposeful.
My passion for this cause stems from firsthand experiences with cancer's impact. Witnessing a loved one navigate the devastating loss of a cherished individual to this disease has been profoundly impactful. Conversely, I've also rejoiced in the triumphs of those who've conquered cancer through new, innovative therapies, reinforcing my commitment to drive change.
In my capacity as an ambassador, I'm determined to amplify awareness and support for cancer research, directing the funds I raise to be dedicated towards the General Research Fund, a broad research spectrum to benefit various cancer types. My aspiration extends beyond the local borders of New Mexico, aiming to contribute to a global fight against cancer's reach.
In my professional journey at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center over the past eight years, I've been privileged to witness the remarkable strides made in cancer research. Working in the cancer registry and engaging in oncology data abstraction and cancer conferences has given me a unique perspective on the multidisciplinary efforts and clinical trials shaping the future of cancer treatment and care.
“Through my ambassadorship and continued work, I aspire to inspire hope, foster awareness, and drive progress in the fight against cancer.”
^ Pirates of the Cure-ibbean team with the Pirate Captain in 2024 (top) and in 2022 (bottom) ^
left - Pirates of the Cure-ibbean team at the Bosque Trail in 2021; right - Deanna at the very first Lobo Cancer Challenge in 2017
Joshua Rogers
Together with her other two sons and Polly’s best friend, Josh founded Polly’s Run in 2009 to honor his mother after her passing. Polly inspired countless students and athletes through her teaching and coaching, and the annual Polly’s Run event rallies hundreds of friends, family members, and survivors to increase awareness and raise funds for the research to help end pancreatic cancer.
Bringing people together with a passion for fighting cancer:
“The Lobo Cancer Challenge is an incredibly special event for me. As the director of Polly's Run and the Polly Rogers Endowment for Pancreatic Cancer, it is a wonderful opportunity to fundraise and continue to raise awareness for the disease. The event has become a lifelong passion for me and I can't wait to do it again this year and the next!
“It’s also just a whole lot of fun that brings together people who all have a passion for fighting cancer.”
Charles Rowland
Ever since the 2nd Lobo Cancer Challenge in 2018, one could find me on my bike celebrating the incredible fact that such a possibility is even real. Granted that not all types of cancer are the same, and not all patients are the same, cancer is scary. My prostate cancer was discovered just weeks after an annual PSA screening revealed that my number had gone beyond 4. Dr. Satyan Shah and his team jumped on it, and I am forever grateful to the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center for the thoroughness, expertise, and patient care this institution brings to the table.
By the time the radical prostatectomy was performed two months later, the PSA reading was almost 6, and subsequent analysis disclosed that the rise had reached a catastrophic rate of increase. If no one had noticed the cancer, my life expectancy was probably no more than five years.
It’s been 13 years now, and I am still enjoying the wonderful autumn air and sky here in central New Mexico from the saddle of my bike. Participation in this event has led to remarkable friendships with several administrative staff members who have each had an impact on my life.
Other bridges have been crossed in the meantime, but the inspiration and encouragement from every single person I have encountered at the UNM Cancer Center make me proud to be a Challenger and proud to be a Lobo!
Go Lobos!
Kristin Underwood
This will be the seventh year I have participated in the Lobo Cancer Challenge. This event offers our community a chance to come together and honor cancer patients… and I participate in honor of them. I’ve been able to train and enjoy this event with my family and friends… as well as include my Eisai colleagues from all over the United States.
One of the greatest gifts of the Lobo Cancer Challenge is that 100% of the funds stay right here in New Mexico.
“To be asked to be a Lobo Cancer Challenge Ambassador is such an honor and I am so excited to continue to pay it forward. This is something I look forward to every year!”
Christine Valdez
My first year participating in the Lobo Cancer Challenge was in 2020 — I hiked Pino Trail! My second year in 2021, I hiked La Luz and have dedicated both of my Challenges to my friends, family, and patients who I treat and who we have lost.
I am an Oncology Nurse here at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center. Being an Oncology Nurse offers me the opportunity to see my patients and families in some of their most vulnerable moments. I participate for ALL my patients and families. I am grateful that I can support specific program areas in the Lobo Cancer Challenge, which allow me to raise funds towards research and patient care for those families who are struggling financially and otherwise.
“I am excited to be an Ambassador this year!”
Mike Westphal
Cancer seems to touch every one of us. Several people in my family and friend circles have had cancer, including my Aunt Carol who received excellent treatment for lung cancer at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC).
UNMCCC is our local home for the fight against cancer and is the “safety net” treatment facility as well. The wealthiest and the least wealthy New Mexicans receive world class treatment, side by side.
I'm proud to have ridden in all of the Lobo Cancer Challenges and I've made friends with many fellow participants along the way. The Lobo Cancer Challenge gives my friends, family and me a great combination of physical challenge, important fundraising tools and a lot of fun. Meeting some of the UNMCCC community of patients, doctors, researchers and other team members and supporters is an added benefit of the event.
“It's awesome to see how much the Lobo Cancer Challenge and the UNMCCC have grown and achieved.”
Sterling Wind & Deborah Agnew
- - Family Ambassadors
#LoboCancerChallengeHaiku
From shadows, we RIDE
Strength rising, fighting a war
Hope blooms with each dawn
— Sterling Wind
I am thrilled and honored to join my husband, Sterling Wind, as Family Ambassadors for the 2025 Lobo Cancer Challenge and to ride again with the indomitable HEME Team!
Sterling rides as a person touched by skin cancer, as a member of a family touched by cancer, and as a witness to what cancer can steal.
I grew up riding a solo bicycle, often following behind my parents on their tandem, as we criss-crossed the USA. Sterling and I were thrilled to bring one of those tandems to Albuquerque last year, riding in their honor in many ways, and my love of the bike was reborn after a multi-decade hiatus.
As a pediatrician, I have witnessed firsthand the ravages cancer inflicts on patients and families, and I have also experienced the unparalleled joy of cure that advancing research delivers more frequently every day.
“For our parents and the love of the bicycle, for friends, family and patients inflicted by this frightening disease and for the commitment to the research needed for finding cures, WE RIDE!”
Supporting cancer care and cancer research has never been more important, so I hope you will join Sterling and me in sponsoring the life-changing 2025 Lobo Cancer Challenge!
— Deb Agnew
Statistics and information appearing on this page do not represent the official views of the Lobo Cancer Challenge.
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