I am not sure if I have known anyone in my sphere of influence who has not been touched by cancer in some shape or form. My wife was diagnosed with encapsulated papillary carcinoma in 2018. Fortunately, it was a mild form of breast cancer and surgery took care of it. My aunt beat cancer years ago and thrived. Spouse of a couple of my cousins were not as fortunate. So were many of my friends. A close friend of my wife is currently fighting for her life.
The desire that one day there will be a world without cancer is why I ride Pedal the Cause. In the fight against cancer, raising money is all I am capable to do. I appreciate your on-going support and partnership. Because of local sponsor such as Edward Jones, every dollar you donate to Pedal the Cause goes directly to fund cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital, both world-renowned cancer research institutions. Pedal the Cause has proven track record. For every $1 Pedal the Cause donates to fund cancer research, on the average an additional $12 is obtained in federal funding. No amount is too small; every dollar adds up to something that is much bigger than what you and I would imagine.
The referee family is still in mourning with the loss of Jeff Mason on March 15. Jeff is the brother of one of our local referee assignors. My heart goes out to Jeff's family. I will be riding in Jeff's memory on my 10th anniversary of raising money through Pedal the Cause's cycling challenge.
In addition to riding in memory of Jeff Mason, I am riding in honor of Tracey Mathis, a cancer warrior since 2023. While recent scan results show no indication of cancer, it is unclear that cancer is behind her. Tracey was a referee at one point; I and the referee community will continue to support one whom we call our own. Tracey, keep fighting.
Individuals whom I have ridden and will continue to ride for are listed below.
In memory of: Rose Bokermann, Joyce Broadbrooks, Ingrid Chan, Selan Chan, Richard Cooper, Dee Cruze, John Flores, David Hall, Suzan Hellige, Cindy Hoofer, James Jones, Randy Masterson, Beth Nellis, MaryAlice Peoples, Chris Wayland, (and Buddy!)
In honor of: Mary Bowler, Jessica Carter Branson, Rob Burgner, Stacy Burgner, Caroline Chan, Michelle Cheung, Kolby Cunningham, Mike Heath, Winnie Ho, Carolyn Masterson, Tracey Mathis, Rich Starkey, Sarah Summers, Thomas Woo, and unnamed to respect privacy.
