Pedal the Cause

As Living Proof, I am proud to volunteer for Pedal the Cause in the fight against cancer. Pedal the Cause is more than a community cycling event, it's a way of life, a celebration, and a movement fueled by the courage to end cancer, all cancers, for everyone. Unfortunately, we all know someone or love someone who has been affected or has lost their battle with cancer.

2016 was the first year I rode in Pedal the Cause. I signed up to ride 20 miles in memory and in honor of loved ones and friends who have either lost their battle with cancer or who were currently in the fight of their lives.

This year, I am volunteering in honor of my own fight with cancer, but also in honor of many of my family and friends who are currently fighting. I hope to raise over $500 this year, but I need your help.

Please read my story below and help by donating to this cause. It takes world-class research to create a world without cancer, and Pedal the Cause is the only event that gives 100% of participant donations to Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children's Hospital to advance cancer research. Together, we can create a world without cancer.

MY STORY

In early February 2023, what I expected to be a routine appointment with Dr. Brandon Larkin, a non-surgical sports medicine physician at Advanced Bone & Joint, for knee pain quickly turned my world upside down.

Routine X-rays of both knees revealed what appeared to be an enchondroma in my left tibia. Wanting to confirm his initial impression, Dr. Larkin ordered an MRI. Just a few days later, he called with unexpected news: the MRI did not support the enchondroma diagnosis. Instead, it suggested something more serious, and he would be referring me to Siteman Cancer Center.

Siteman. That was all I needed to hear.

About a week later, I met with Dr. Regis O’Keefe of Washington University Orthopaedic Surgery, who recommended an immediate biopsy of the suspicious mass. Two days later, I received the diagnosis: a rare bone cancer called adamantinoma. Dr. O’Keefe referred me to Dr. David Brogan and ordered a CT scan as adamantinoma commonly spreads to the lungs.

In late March 2023, I received another unexpected phone call. This time informing me that the CT scan had revealed a mass on my right kidney, unrelated to the bone cancer.

That same afternoon, I met with Dr. Sam Bhayani, a urologist at Washington University. Over the weekend, Drs. O’Keefe, Brogan, and Bhayani had collaborated to determine the best plan forward. Because both cancers required prompt attention, they decided to remove my kidney first, followed by surgery for the bone cancer after I had time to recover.

In preparation for my bone surgery, I also met with Dr. Patrick Geraghty, a vascular surgeon, who would later perform a procedure to harvest a blood vessel from my right leg to support reconstruction during my bone surgery.

On April 14, 2023, I underwent a nephrectomy to remove my right kidney. The surgery went smoothly, and my recovery was steady.

Just four weeks later, on May 11, 2023, I underwent a 12-hour surgery to remove the cancerous portion of my tibia, leaving a segment of the bone completely removed. That section of my tibia was replaced with a segment of my right fibula, secured with a plate and multiple screws.

Eleven days after surgery, I was transferred to Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital St. Louis, where I spent 12 days rebuilding my strength and learning how to safely navigate daily life while non-weightbearing.

On June 3, I returned home.

After eight months of physical therapy, I progressed to walking with a cane. However, a setback followed: imaging revealed a fracture in my left tibia, along with broken hardware. Dr. Brogan placed me back on non-weightbearing status in hopes the fracture would heal.

After more than six months without progress, I was referred to Dr. Christopher McAndrew, a bone fracture specialist. During our initial consultation, he outlined two options: undergo additional surgeries, potentially multiple, or consider amputation.

The second option was overwhelming and something I was determined to avoid. I chose to pursue another surgery in hopes of achieving healing.

On November 21, 2024, I underwent the second bone surgery. Dr. McAndrew harvested bone marrow from my left femur and used it to pack the fracture and surrounding areas of the fibula to stimulate bone growth.

Six months later, progress was finally evident. Bone growth developed in key areas, and the fracture was healing. With ongoing physical therapy, I am able to ambulate without the assistance of a walker or cane.

These past three years have been extraordinarily long and challenging. I could not have endured this without the love, care, support, and prayers of my family and friends, along with the exceptional expertise of my medical team, therapists, and psychologist. Cancer is not something you fight alone—everyone who loves you fights alongside you.

I am deeply grateful to the physicians who have guided me through this journey. Dr. Larkin, your decision to take a closer look saved my life. You uncovered my bone cancer, which ultimately led to the discovery of my kidney cancer. Dr. Bhayani, thank you for your skill and care in removing my kidney. Drs. O’Keefe, Brogan, and Geraghty, thank you for removing my bone cancer and reconstructing my leg. And Dr. McAndrew, your expertise is helping me move toward healing and returning to normal life.

I am equally thankful for the countless nurses, medical assistants, and staff at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, my rehabilitation team at Mercy, my physical therapists, past and present, and my therapist at Concert Health, whose guidance carried me through some of the most difficult moments.

To my workplace, Cass Information Systems, and my manager, Martin Resch. Thank you for your flexibility, understanding, and unwavering support. To my coworkers and friends who prayed, encouraged me, and stepped in when I needed help, especially Kevin Fisher. Your kindness has meant more than words can express.

To my family, my daughter Alyssa, my parents, my sisters, and all of my loved ones. Your strength, love, and care have sustained me. Alyssa, you have been my rock and my voice. I owe you more than I can ever say.

And to my husband, Jack, my partner, my caregiver, and the love of my life. You have carried me in ways I never imagined. Your patience, strength, and devotion have carried us both through this. I love you beyond measure.

Above all, I thank God. I trust that this journey has purpose, and I know I have never walked it alone.

Because of this experience, I am committed to giving back. I have proudly supported Pedal the Cause for years, and while I am no longer able to ride right my bike, my niece Ava Brooks and I will be volunteering during Pedal weekend.

Pedal the Cause represents hope, community, and a powerful mission to end cancer. It is a uniquely impactful organization in St. Louis, with 100% of participant-raised funds supporting cutting-edge cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Since 2010, more than $56 million has been raised, funding hundreds of research projects that continue to improve and save lives.

I am honored to play a part in this mission, not just for myself, but for everyone I know and love who has faced or is facing cancer.

To all who have supported me: I am forever grateful.

Please support my efforts to create a world without cancer with a donation of any size to my fundraiser by clicking the DONATE button on my profile page.

Thank you and God bless you!

Lisa