How did you get involved in with the MMRF?

In 2019, I was an OS supporting the MM sales team; when this ride was brought to my attention, I knew this would bring two of my passions together, the passion to help patients and my desire to cycle.

What do you want people to know about multiple myeloma?

Working for Johnson and Johnson and having spent time selling products in the multiple myeloma space, I learned a great deal about the disease and the approved products. Since connecting on this ride, I have learned so much more and been impacted in so many ways, with incredible stories of fortitude and triumph as well as those of sadness and despair. I have also learned about the great work that the MMRF foundation is doing and the promise of a brighter tomorrow! 

Why is participating in the MMRF Road to Victories ride important to you?

Absolutely it is! This ride is an honor to be a part of! On every ride, I get to experience something new, hear and connect with others, learn about their stories and paths, and witness their courage and fight, which is contagious. 

What are you looking most forward to/excited about in regard to the ride?

I am looking forward to connecting, learning, and riding! I am excited to help bring awareness to this disease and share the awesome news of what the MMRF does and is doing to fight this disease today and their hopes for tomorrow!

What does your training regimen for this event look like?

Well, this year my training regiment looks like a dismal representation of my regiments in the past! This will represent a challenge for me on this ride, but one I will take head on with a smile on my face. I know what this ride can do, what it can mean to others, and the awesome power the funds do for research!

Who/what inspires you?

I am inspired by the riders who ride next to us every year and wake up daily fighting this disease. I am inspired by a colleague at Janssen Oncology and their family! I am inspired by their tenacity, their fight, and their support inside and outside of their family unit. 

Have you participated in previous MMRF events? If so, which/when?

Yes, I have ridden the “Vermont to Quebec” ride in 2019 and “Maine” in 2022! So, this will be my third ride. In 2022, I asked to become a member and ride this ride in honor of the Janssen colleague I mentioned above. I have inspiration and desire to ride in their honor. I think of their journey almost every day! There is never a time that my feet touch my pedals that I am not reminded by those fighting this disease today or tomorrow and why I am riding!

Anything additional to add?

I feel humbled and honored to be a small part of this ride! I cannot describe the emotions I have experienced on each of these rides or the joy that I have felt! I have connected with friends and colleagues over this ride and have learned so much. The people I have met through this ride have taught me so much about life and why optimism is so powerful as a perspective. I know without a doubt this experience will allow me to grow as a person, gain perspective I would not otherwise have, and fuel me with desire to participate every year possible. 

I am so grateful for the MMRF, what they are doing, and the vision this foundation has developed. MMRF is moving mountains in MM, and it is easy to recognize this through the progress that has been made in the last 10 years! I cannot wait to see what will be accomplished in MM within the next 5 to 10 years with the awesome help of the MMRF and its wonderful team!