Pedal the Cause

On September 20, I will be riding Pedal the Cause for the 8th year, and once again, I’ve chosen to ride the Century course. That's 100 long miles in one day to raise money to find a cure for cancer! I’m doing the most challenging route because fighting cancer is WAY harder and it’s just one way for me to show solidarity with those who are fighting this terrible disease.

This year, the ride is more meaningful for me. My ride is dedicated to a close family member, who was recently diagnosed with Stage 2 Folliculotropic Mycosis Fungoides (Lymphoma of the skin). He is currently in treatment to beat this diagnosis. 

I also want to recognize my best friend, Janet Ristuccia, who bravely fought and beat breast cancer. She is the reason I started riding 6 years ago.

I'm also riding for some amazing Edward Jones colleagues, past and present.

Joelle Myszka, who is winning her battle against colorectal cancer that was discovered in April 2023. She fought bravely through 33 rounds of radiation and is currently showing no signs of the disease since completing treatment! You can learn more about her story here: https://www.mercy.net/newsroom/2024-03-26/joelle-s-journey--colorectal-cancer-diagnosis-before-age-44/.

Scott Gormont, who is currently battling Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. His scan last fall was clear! Scott and I worked on the CodeFest event for years and have remained in contact since. His positive attitude has impressed me as he fights this disease. As always, his commitment to his health and wellness have helped him remain strong in the fight even as he goes through chemo and other related treatments.

Jenna Mayo, who lost her battle with Epithelioid Sarcoma Proximal type, stage 3, in June. 

The last is someone who many of you knew, and was less fortunate. Nathan Causey was a Technical Architect in my area. I interviewed him years ago and brought him into the firm. We worked on different things for a handful of years until mobile caused our paths to cross. We became fast friends and worked closely together to advance mobility at the firm. If you knew Nathan, you know he had a BIG personality – loud, passionate and fun. He was always talking about his dogs and hungry for the next meal/snack. And he loved his work! He loved sharing why mobile is important for the firm. He loved seeing results. Even while he was in the hospital bed in his last days, too weak to sit up, he was asking about work and wanting to get back into the fray. That’s Nathan for you! He is the first friend I’ve ever lost to cancer (or any illness), taken too soon. I miss working with him everyday.

Just like me, I know you’ve been affected by cancer in some way. We all have. It is time to find a cure for this disease!

I am asking you to help me raise $5000 to find the cure! No amount is too small, and thanks to Edward Jones, 100% of your donation will go to fund cancer research. Not a cent of it will be used for overhead. Please use the link below to donate. Please also consider signing up and joining me and Team Edward Jones for the ride on September 20, 2026.

I am proud to join Pedal the Cause in the fight against cancer. Pedal the Cause is more than the region's largest cancer fundraiser. It's a way of life, a celebration, a family and a movement fueled by the courage to end cancer.

Please support my efforts by donating to my fundraiser, and give with confidence knowing that 100% of your donation will fund lifesaving cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital.