I have been a part of Team fight since 2012 when I signed up for my first triathlon, IronGirl Columbia 2012. I have raced with Team Fight in several triathlons and many half marathons. I also have been a sherpa in the Cancer to 5k program where I have met so many inspiring survivors.
Now I am taking a big leap and am part of Key to Keys 2016. This is a one week cycling from Baltimore, MD to Key West, FL to raise awareness about young adult cancer and spread the mission of the Ulman Cancer Fund. Key to Keys is more than just a bike ride. It’s not a race. It’s not a competition. It’s a journey that brings together a diverse group of individuals to build a community of support for those affected by cancer.
I have known of way too many young kids and young adults that have suffered from cancer.
I was also drawn to Team Fight because of the team's colors (My Fraternity's colors (Alpha Phi Omega) were Blue and Gold. ) And almost six years ago a dear fraternity brother of mine lost her battle with cancer, but not before receiving her Doctorate from Virginia Tech. I am taking part in Key to Keys in memory of Reverend Dr. Lisa Tabor, and others that have lost their battle. I also will be honoring all those that have won and are still fighting their fights.
Each year, more than 70,000 young adults are diagnosed with cancer in the United States. In fact, a cancer diagnosis between the ages of 15 and 40 is nearly eight times more common than such a diagnosis during the first 15 years of life
I am so fortunate to be healthy enough to aim for this epic trip of biking down the east coast, and to be able to raise funds and awareness for a phenomenal organization like UCF in the process. $.89 of every dollar raised goes directly to mission services in the fight against cancer.... to patient navigation in area hospitals, college scholarships, Cancer to 5K, and more.
UCF Key to Keys Experience is a journey that brings together a diverse group of individuals to build a community of support for those affected by cancer. Using cycling as a platform, Key to Keys participants come together throughout the journey to share their individual cancer connections and give out as much support to others as they are receiving.
| Supporters | |||
| Name | Date | Amount | Comments |
| Exelon | 06/03/2016 | $25.00 | Bravelets | 05/31/2016 | $10.00 | Bravelets | 04/30/2016 | $10.00 | Mary Hagedorn | 04/14/2016 | $50.00 | Kristin Wowak | 04/12/2016 | $30.00 | #K2K2016 UCF Staff Pool Plunge | Lillie Cruz | 04/11/2016 | $25.00 | Enjoy it to the fullest and thanks for always making a difference!! Lots of love!! | Michele Herman | 04/10/2016 | $100.00 | We're brothers (I was also in Alpha Phi Omega)! And what you're doing is awesome - the fundraising & the cycling to the Keys! Good luck & have fun! | Anonymous Friend | 04/10/2016 | $25.00 | way to tough out the weather on day one. I hope day two treats you better :) | Doug & Ayumi Smith | 04/08/2016 | $25.00 | You are Strong Kristin! Ride Safe! | Stacy Metro | 04/06/2016 | $50.00 | Have a great ride! Amazing you are doing this for such a great cause. | Patti Anderson | 04/05/2016 | $7.00 | so excited to meet you and ride with you!!! Go Kristin! You got this one! | Rod Hanby | 04/04/2016 | $50.00 | Awesome! | Bravelets | 03/31/2016 | $10.00 | Sarah Grebow | 03/30/2016 | $20.00 | It is so awesome to hear all the Team Fight stuff you do. You are amazing in your fundraising and support for The Ulman Fund and incredible in all the different kinds of endurance runs, races, and more you complete. I am thrilled to support, in this small way, your Key to Keys participation. Have fun! | Anonymous Friend | 03/12/2016 | $100.00 | Remember if your riding south, it's all downhill | Nicole Johnson | 03/09/2016 | $50.00 | Go get 'em!!! | Christopher Cravey | 03/08/2016 | $100.00 | Thank You!! | Kristin Wowak | 03/07/2016 | $493.00 | Money raised from 90+ Cycling Fundraising Event (plus $25 from Jenn T below) | Holly Shoemaker | 03/05/2016 | $50.00 | Teresa Dumpe | 03/04/2016 | $20.00 | Have a blast!! | Jeannie Finan | 03/04/2016 | $10.00 | Lisa Steptoe | 03/03/2016 | $20.00 | Better your toush than mine. Go get it girl. | Tiffany B | 03/03/2016 | $25.00 | All the best on your fundraiser tomorrow! Sorry I can't make it but look forward to riding to Key West together soon! | Bravelets | 02/29/2016 | $20.00 | Jackie Cooper | 02/29/2016 | $25.00 | Kristin - As a cancer survivor who lost her sister to the same at such a young age, I am thankful you are bringing attention to such an awful disease. Please ride a couple miles in memory of my sister, Patsy! Thanks! | Marc Miller | 02/28/2016 | $100.00 | Shannon Bol | 02/27/2016 | $100.00 | Kristin Wowak | 02/26/2016 | $.00 | Jennifer Lindsay Trice | 02/24/2016 | $25.00 | See you next Friday :) | Susan Watson | 02/19/2016 | $50.00 | I am so proud of you for making this amazing effort for UCF. John Hughes is getting you bike ready just bring your grit and you got this. | Penelope Frissell | 02/09/2016 | $50.00 | What an incredible adventure and amazing cause! My sister was a young adult when she was diagnosed with cancer and she is now a 10 yrs plus survivor. On behalf of my big sister, my mom and I... you go girl!!! thx! | Peter S Grant | 02/06/2016 | $20.00 | Have a great ride!! | Marge Burley | 02/05/2016 | $25.00 | Good Luck Kristen. What an adventure and for a good cause. | Dawn Smyers | 02/03/2016 | $25.00 | Keep pedaling! | Sarah Stitzel | 01/29/2016 | $25.00 | Good Luck!! | Susan Lord | 01/29/2016 | $25.00 | What an incredible trip you are venturing on! Good luck! I wish you a safe and healthy journey! Lisa is smiling down at you! :D In LF&S, Susan and Adrian | Lara Blatchford | 01/19/2016 | $50.00 | Go Kristin! | Anonymous Friend | 01/18/2016 | $2,350.00 | Anonymous Friend | 01/08/2016 | $100.00 | Rajashri Sankavaram | 01/08/2016 | $200.00 | Good Luck and have fun Kristin!! Waiting to hear all about our exciting ride when you return. :-) | Michelle Montoya | 01/06/2016 | $50.00 | This is so awesome! Good luck Kristin - can't wait to hear about the journey. | Angela Single | 12/28/2015 | $60.00 | $100 left for your 2015 goal now! | Liz Glomb | 12/21/2015 | $25.00 | Tai Fung | 12/01/2015 | $10.00 | This sounds like an amazing feat! Best of luck! | Amy Krupka | 11/19/2015 | $25.00 | happy belated! | Lisa Bell | 11/16/2015 | $75.00 | Does heading south count as going downhill ?? Will be thinking of you ! ~ Lisa | Raimy Kamons | 11/16/2015 | $20.00 | Marni Rosenbaum | 11/15/2015 | $39.00 | Happy B-day! | Rhonda Workman | 11/15/2015 | $50.00 | Sending our support!! | Yvonne McBee | 11/15/2015 | $39.00 | I hope you have an amazing journey!! Happy Birthday! | Doug Fish | 11/15/2015 | $200.00 | Megan Sullivan | 11/15/2015 | $39.00 | Happy birthday to a dear friend :) | Wendy Newton | 11/15/2015 | $40.00 | Happy Birthday! | Mary Hagedorn | 11/15/2015 | $39.00 | Sally Kelly | 11/15/2015 | $39.00 | Happy Birthday! | Cabell Greenwood | 11/11/2015 | $50.00 | Awesome! | DI Honey | 11/05/2015 | $50.00 | Alyssa Godesky | 11/03/2015 | $50.00 | YAY! So glad you are doing this ride! So meaningful and I know you will smash it! | Christopher Cleet | 11/02/2015 | $50.00 | You go, girl |
| Total | $5,445.00 | ||