This year, we ride for our friend and colleague Tara Ketcham, who is in the fight against cancer. Tara has been a valued member of the Enterprise family for more than 23 years and has called St. Louis home for the past 13 years.
Tara was recently diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (Breast Cancer). While this diagnosis was a shock, Tara and her husband Jack are grateful to have access to skilled physicians in St. Louis who are capable of performing the surgery and providing the treatment she needs.
Tara will have a bilateral mastectomy at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital on Wednesday, April 16th to begin her road to recovery. In the months following her mastectomy the plans for her reconstructive surgeries and treatment will continue to unfold.
While this is a daunting time for Tara and her family, they want to acknowledge that it is also difficult for the many who love and support Tara, as well as for those who may be facing similar challenges. Tara has been incredibly positive throughout this journey so far sharing, “I recognize that I have a responsibility to share my story and help others that face similar challenges. This might slow me down for a bit, but it certainly will NOT take me down! Cancer will regret meeting me!”
Having an attentive primary care doctor, annual mammograms, and self-exams are so important! If not for Tara doing a self-exam, her cancer could’ve have had more time to progress before a mammogram may have picked it up. Self-exams are critical for early detection!
Even as Tara prepares for the fight she continues to advocate for and acknowledge the millions of people battling cancer. Tara lost her little sister Kathleen to a rare muscle cancer when Kathleen was only 14. She’s been fighting for pediatric health care ever since. She has the honor of serving on the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Development Board to continue the pursuit of doing what is right for kids.
We ride for Tara, Jack, and their children, Jack Jr., Henry, and Sam to show that their Enterprise family is with them in Tara's fight against cancer. We’re all praying for a speedy recovery.
