I am beyond honored and humbled to be able to join the Key to Keys 2016 riding team leaving Baltimore, MD on April 9, 2016, and ending our eight day journey in Key West on April 16, 2016.  The Key to Keys mission on this eight day adventure, is to raise awareness about what the Ulman Cancer Fund does for young adults and their families facing the daunting diagnosis of cancer.  Funds raised during this ride help support the Ulman Cancer fund, which strives to ensure that no young adult has to face cancer alone. Along the journey to Key West, we will stop at various cancer centers offering assistance and support, and most importantly, a majority of the funds raised during this ride are designated to help create a Cancer Patient Navigator position at Walter Reed Hospital in DC; which will be the fourth of it's kind since the programs inception. 

Everyone has a connection to cancer, in some shape or form. My first exposure to this horrible disease was when I was a senior in college.  My mother in law at the time, who had been in remission from a breast cancer diagnosis by then for approximately two years, started to experience some pretty severe pain, and by the spring semester, and following a myriad of tests, she learned on Valentines' Day, in fact, that she was no longer in remission, and unfortunately the cancer had returned. She was diagnosed with brain, bone and lung cancer, and was given a very grim prognosis of six months to live, however, Karen refused to believe this would be her fate. She was fearless, and had an absolute zest for life. She had such grace at a terrifying time for her, and virtually never complained, though I am certain she dealt with a great deal of pain.  She fought a courageous battle and died a short three months post diagnosis. She was 51 years old. 

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.