I was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma of the throat at age seven. My mother took me to several pediatricians before an otolaryngologist realized my loud snoring was due to a large tumor obstructing my airway. I had a tracheostomy, surgical resection of the tumor and a large portion of my tongue, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical resection of a portion of my lung. My doctors, nurses, and childhood friends with cancer inspired me to become a pediatrician to help keep children healthy. It’s nice to see the progress that has been made over the years with pediatric cancer treatment but there is still a long ways to go.

This year I am riding for a special boy named Hudson. Our paths crossed on a very fateful day that led to his journey battling Neuroblastoma. I have watched him overcome chemo, surgery, infections, and immunotherapy with such strength and positivity. I consider him and his parents family and I am blessed to ride in his honor.