When I first started as an RD at Cooley Dickinson in 2003, I was seeing radiation patients before we even had a dedicated Cancer Center. Over the years, my work with cancer patients has continued to be one of the most meaningful parts
of my career. When the Mass General Cancer Institute at Cooley Dickinson opened, I was honored to
serve as the primary dietitian for the program.
Today, I continue to work closely with patients—both those admitted to the hospital and those
receiving treatment in our Cancer Center—alongside my incredible colleague, Jessica
Nighswander, who also rides. Our patients mean everything to us.
What makes this ride so special is that the money we raise goes directly to support our patients—
not through a large foundation or third-party organization, but straight to those in our care. This
financial assistance helps ease the burden for people in the midst of incredibly difficult journeys.
On a personal level, cancer has deeply touched my life. My mother was a patient at the Cooley
Dickinson Cancer Center before she passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2018. I’ve also lost my
aunt, uncle, and my best friend’s mother to cancer. Their memories stay with me every day—
especially when I sit with patients and their families. I’ve been on the other side. I know what it feels
like to hear both hopeful and heartbreaking news, and I understand how much it means to have a
caring team supporting you every step of the way.
I ride for my mom. I ride for my family, for my friends, and for my patients.
I’ve committed to riding 50 miles for Bikes Fight Cancer. This is my fourth year riding, and the third time I’ll be doing the 50-mile ride!”
BIKES FIGHT CANCER
Love Bikes? Hate Cancer? This is the ride for you!
Overview:
The Bikes Fight Cancer Charity Ride presented by PDC Incorporated, is an exciting FUNdraising bike ride in Western Mass, where every pedal contributes to funding organizations providing cancer care and services. Choose your ride with 25-mile and 50-mile routes traversing the picturesque Pioneer Valley and along the Connecticut River. The 50-mile ride promises an extra thrill with rewarding views for riders. After the ride, enjoy post-event activities like awesome food trucks, and, of course, enjoy Tree House's exceptional beer. This is an unmissable event!
About Bikes Fight Cancer:
Bikes Fight Cancer Inc. is a Western Massachusetts 501(c)(3) that uses its love of bikes to lessen the burden of a cancer diagnosis for patients, families, and caregivers. Through athletic events like the Bikes Fight Cancer Charity Ride and the Bikes Fight Cancer PMC Team, we aim to empower a community to participate, donate, and fundraise in the fight against cancer. Through these activities, Bikes Fight Cancer can provide funding to organizations offering valuable cancer care and services, as well as those advancing cancer research.
Mail In Donations:
Make checks payable to: Bikes Fight Cancer
Bikes Fight Cancer
255 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Bikes Fight Cancer Inc. is a Western Massachusetts–based 501(c)(3) that uses its love of bikes to lessen the burden of a cancer diagnosis for patients, families, and caregivers. Through athletic events like the Bikes Fight Cancer Charity Ride, presented by PDC Incorporated, we empower a community to participate, donate, and fundraise in the fight against cancer. These efforts provide funding to organizations that deliver vital cancer care services and to hospitals advancing cancer research.
Mail In Donations:
Make checks payable to: Bikes Fight Cancer
Bikes Fight Cancer
255 Park St.
Easthampton, MA 01027