C4 – Crystal’s Challenge to Conquer Cancer

I bought my first road bike less than a year ago in December of 2007. I was motivated to do something different besides running marathons, and after talking to my daddy, who is an avid cyclist in Seattle, I decided that I would give it a try. Not sure if I would really get into the sport, I bought a beginner bike from The Great Escape and went out on a few rides.

One day while running with Ron Jerina on an early Saturday morning at Furman, he asked me if I would be interested in riding to Austin in October of 2008. I thought to myself that this is the craziest idea that I had heard of. But then again, I do like a challenge! Since starting my days of running marathons, I think that anything can be accomplished through hard work and dedication. Even though I was a disaster on the bike (many falls, cuts, bruises, and choice words), I was determined to join in with the group to Austin and raise money for cancer research.

At one of our many organization meetings on Friday February 29, 2008, I got an upsetting phone call from my dermatologist. He called to tell me that the most recent mole that I had taken off was diagnosed as skin cancer (melanoma). I was devastated and cried in front of everyone. At that point, I really felt like I had a purpose for this ride and that I would prove to myself that I could accomplish this goal. I feel that everything happens for a reason: I was temporarily stationed in Greenville for a job assignment, I became friends with Ron Jerina, I bought my first road bike, and I was diagnosed with cancer. All of these things made me realized that I was destined to do this ride and raise money for cancer research.

I have become an advocate for sun protection (just ask my friends how annoying I am about sunblock), but again was diagnosed with skin cancer in July of 2008. After another successful surgery and a nice scar on my neck, I am again cancer free. My battle will continue as I see a dermatologist 4 times a year now, and am constantly living in fear that any one of my moles will be malignant again. Thank you to all of my family and friends for their support.

Cancer is an ugly condition that affects even a marathon-running, tennis playing, cycling 27 year old health nut. Yes, no one is immune from it. With the money raised from this ride, I hope we all realize that we are not only helping all of our loved ones that have already endured cancer, but we are also preparing a brighter future for our own health.

Team 5: I have become very fond of my team, and have enjoyed the emotional ups and downs, our many rides together, and of course, their friendship. Good luck to everyone on the ride, and be safe on the road.

Crystal