My Badger Challenge journey began in 2019 when I helped create the Peds Dream Team to honor a close mentor, Dr. Allen, whose courage in the face of cancer inspired us. What started as a tribute to one extraordinary person has grown into something much bigger, shaped by the many coworkers, friends, and family members who have faced this disease.

Personally, in June 2022, my world was turned upside down when my mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. She faced every challenge with incredible strength and determination. Because of the exceptional care she received from the team at the UW–Madison; especially Dr. Toby Campbell, who never stopped searching for new treatment options and clinical trials, we were blessed with three more precious years together. After an extraordinary fight, her body was ready to rest, and she passed away in June 2025.

That September, I challenged myself to increase my distance from 50K to ride the 100K on my mom’s bike. As someone who had never considered myself an avid cyclist, it was one of the most difficult physical challenges I had ever taken on. Every mile was ridden in her honor and in recognition of the fight my mom endured.

Since then, Badger Challenge has become much more than an annual event. It is one of the ways I continue to honor my mom and keep her memory alive. Knowing that 100% of every dollar raised supports cancer research at UW–Madison gives every mile greater purpose. Cancer continues to touch the lives of those closest to me. One of my best friends and one of my closest coworkers are each navigating their own difficult journeys through treatment, scans, and uncertainty. Their strength is inspiring, and they are surrounded by an incredible community of family, friends, and supporters. Watching firsthand how life-changing cancer research can be and experiencing its impact through loved ones has only strengthened my commitment to this cause. It has given me hope and a deep desire to help ensure that more patients become survivors.

What began in honor of Dr. Allen’s unwavering dedication to her pediatric patients, has evolved into Team Stride, Ride and Remember. Together, we have set a fundraising goal of $5,000 to honor every person who has ever heard the words, “You have cancer,” while helping fund the research that will one day make those words far less common. I continue to ride to honor those I love, celebrate survivors, support those still fighting, and remember those we have lost. I am incredibly proud that our team continues to grow as more people join us in this mission.

Every donation, every mile, and every participant bring us one step closer to better treatments, more survivors, and a future where fewer families experience the cancer journey. If you’re able, please consider supporting our team or joining us in this mission: https://runsignup.com/striderideandremember2