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From Kathleen Carrico - Skinny Tire Festival 2008 |
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From Kathleen Carrico (recipient, The Spirit of Survivorship Award) This award is symbolic of how far I have come from the dark, early days of hopelessness and fear which cancer brings. Emotionally I was in that place throughout my surgeries, chemo and radiation though it never kept me from getting out on my bicycle. That was my lifeline. One year after completing that first round of treatment I was told that the cancer was back. I realized in that moment that something had to change. I marshaled all the weapons in my arsenal to begin to live with cancer in healthier ways. Within a week of this diagnosis I found out about a Ride for the Cure in Aspen for which I had to raise $500 for Komen. Never having done this before I had no idea what to expect, but it was successful beyond what I thought was possible. THis is where my riding with a purpose began. The same week I enrolled in my first clinical trial. These events empowered me with the realization that I was not completely helpless against cancer. There were actions I could take to fight back. Finding Cyclists Combating Cancer was another pivotal moment. That group acquainted me with the LAF and numerous people who livestrong every day. I became involved in the LAF Challenge and Phyllis O'Grady told me about the SKINNY. Events like the SKINNY provide an opportunity for us to do something; thank you for providing a forum to celebrate surviving, raising money for a good cause, and awareness of what one person can accomplish.
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