Unfortunately the list of reasons to ride grows, every year.
My brother-in-law, John Lumbruno, was diagnosed this year (2024) with Lung Cancer, has had successful lobectomy.
My sister, his wife, Wendy Wigglesworth was diagnosed this year (2024) with melanoma and also had successful surgery.
Early detection is critical, supported by growing awareness and never-ending fundraising for research, care, new immunotherapies and approaches to treatment.
And, when I started to ride in 2020:
My friend, Don Brannelly. February 13, 1973 - September 9, 2019. Don's Brain Cancer didn't change who he was: a great freind and hockey buddy, father, and husband. Don battled cancer while coaching his son, taking his daughter on college visits, and of course going to Bruins games with his wife and playing hockey. He particularly loved the Pond. He would do anything for anybody, always smiling, never angry.
My mom, Alexandra Lipsett Wigglesworth, July 24, 1939 - January 3, 2017. Mom/Nanny was diagnosed with Brain Cancer in November of 2016. Mom loved spending time with her gradchildren, and celebrating family and life at our Nannypalooza gatherings on Cape Cod and in Glen, NH. A woman of science, one of her favorite quotes was Those who have Science and have Art, Religion too have they. Those who have not Science and not Art, let them religious be. (translated from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe).
My mother in law, Susan Souther, Lung Cancer Survivor. Susan/Gramma is fighting a hard, first with radiaion, and in 2022 with Keytruda immunotherapy, all after originally having surgery when it was first diagnosed. Susan enjoys relaxing and going out to dinner with her husband Channing, visits with my wife Sarah, family Beach gatherings, particularly the July 3 celebration, in Humarock Scituate, talking to her two grandsons, golfing, and puzzling.
My Aunt, Susan Wigglesworth Johnson, July 4, 1945 - August 11, 2019. Aunt Susie was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer at age 68 and fought it for nearly 6 years with her beautiful smile, laugh, and positive spirit. With a Carpe Diem lifestyle, she did not let cancer stop her, always doing what should could do, and then some. Access to medicine, treatment, and doctors allowed her to continue to hike, ski, yoga, and spend time with her Son and his family for many years after diagnoses.
My Grandmother, Thelma Flynn Wigglesworth Rogers. Nanny succombed in 1994 to Lung Cancer long before I knew really anything about cancer. Back when Lung Cancer was considered a smoker's disease. She was beautiful, smart, strong and loved visits with her many grandchildren, going to the beach, serving Sunday dinner, the general curiosity and spirit of all people, as well as a good ice cream cone.
Diane Legg, Lung Cancer survivor of 20 years. I met Diane on an April evening in 2007 at the Little League field. I was coaching her son, Cole. Little did I know that she was just starting her battle, and what an impact this courageous, active, strong, beautiful woman would have on my life. Diane is an inspiration, and living proof. Every time I hear her speak at an event, read her story, or even just chat, she inspires me. She inspires so many and has changed how millions of people think about Lung Cancer.
