Last month marked the second anniversary of my dad dying from cancer. We honored him with his favorite treat: ice cream.
My heart was full remembering the compassion he received from his care team in his final weeks. Humans have a beautiful way of alleviating pain even when it feels insurmountable.
As a non-medical/sciency person, oncology treatment resembles magic. The bright colors of chemotherapy, the removal of organs I otherwise assumed were necessary, laser beams. I'm grateful for humans who are not only capable of kindness and compassion in the face of fear and death but also dedicate their lives to painstaking oncology work. Instead of magic, these extraordinary people work relentlessly to sustain resources, energy, and commitment to make the research and clinical trials possible that are necessary for lifesaving treatments to evolve.
Through my work, I've had the chance to see cancer care provided in some of the most rural, impoverished corners of the world. Through proximity to the gem that is Dana Farber, I acknowledge the paradox of scientific discovery and progress - in some ways, the developments feel fast, innovative, and lifesaving, but for many, developments feel far too slow. As cancer care develops around the world, it's critical we help ensure that high-quality care shouldn’t differ by country or zip code.
I am thrilled to ride to help Rhode Island contribute to the body of research that brings the highest quality care possible to the ocean state and beyond.
I hope to raise $500 for these efforts. If you can give $10 or $25 today, I’d be deeply grateful (and I will send you a photo or two from my ride!). Funds raised support cutting-edge cancer trials designed by the Brown University Oncology Research Group in partnership wtih the Lifespan Cancer Institute: http://www.pledgereg.com/445231
And if you cannot contribute today, I hope you can treat yourself to some ice cream soon. This life is short but sweet for certain
Tour de Rhody #6
Tour de Rhody is a road and gravel cycling tour to support cancer research in Rhode Island. This year we will again start and finish at beautiful Salisbury Farm at 11 Peck Hill Rd. in Johnston, RI. The ride will take place on the morning of September 22, 2024, with a rolling start.
Rides range from around 15 miles on road or gravel to a full metric gravel century. There are pure road and mostly gravel (dirt roads that at time border on trail) routes. Routes can be challenging and the gravel routes explore historic areas around the Scituate Reservoir. These roads are closed to the public and the Providence Water Supply Board has graciously offered us one day access.
The ride supports the trials designed by the Brown University Oncology Group and the event itself is graciously hosted by the Lifespan Cancer Institute. These trials give patients access to groundbreaking new therapies and other new and emerging cancer treatments at various stages of diagnosis and across many cancer types.
In its first year in 2019, Tour de Rhody raised over $18,000. We continue to grow substantially each year with your support and by 2024 have raised over $400,000. Let's see where we can go from here!
Tour de Rhody has become a key fundraiser to support cancer research in Rhode Island. Since 2019, over $400,000 has been raised to support cancer clinical trials in Rhode Island designed through the Brown University Oncology Research Group. The Lifespan Cancer Institute graciously sponsors the event itself. Tour de Rhody supports investigator initiated trials, that is where physicians and researchers are the ones developing and designing the trials, that directly benefit Rhode Islanders. These trials lead to the discoveries advancing new cancer treatments and cures worldwide