Robin Hammett, a 65-year-old resident of Southern Maryland, is joining BellRinger for the first time as a 50/100-mile finish volunteer. Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Prince George’s County, Robin has spent the last three decades working at the same company and living life to the fullest. She is a mother of two daughters, both actively involved in the healthcare field, and she has been a steadfast supporter of cancer research through her support of the HealthWell Foundation, American Cancer Society, Kidney Care, KC Cure, The Judy Nicholson Kidney Cancer Foundation and Saint Jude’s Hospital for Children.
Robin’s journey with cancer began in 2008 when she was diagnosed with kidney cancer, leading to a the removal of her left kidney. For many years, she underwent regular scans and remained cancer-free. However, life took an unexpected turn when the disease resurfaced in her liver, leading to liver surgery. Following this, Robin became a patient of Dr. Michael Atkins at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she’s received treatment for the past few years.
Despite facing challenges, including a temporary pause in treatment due to adverse reactions, Robin’s determination to beat her cancer prevailed. She completed her first clinical trial in December of 2020, and is now on a long term care regimen over the next 10 years with annual appointments and scans.
Robin first learned about BellRinger through one of her regular appointments with Dr. Atkins in 2021. She originally supported BellRinger and Dr. Atkin’s ride as a donor, but decided that this year she wanted to be a part of the action.
Dr. Atkins is not just Robin’s cancer care provider; he’s also her source of inspiration for joining BellRinger as a volunteer. During her last appointment with him in August, she inquired about his participation in BellRinger for year two. Upon learning that he would be riding 50-miles again, she signed up with her daughter as a 50/100-mile finish line volunteer. While she’s excited to cheer on Riders as they come across the line, she is especially excited to celebrate Dr. Atkins as he finishes his Ride in honor of Team Immunotherapy representing patients like herself.
"When I was first diagnosed in 2008, there was one treatment for kidney cancer, and now there are 13. That's what all that research really means."
Robin Hammett, Volunteer
Robin is one of many who have had their life saved by advanced cancer treatment at Georgetown Lombardi, and she knows that with a ride like BellRinger advancing groundbreaking treatments every day is going to make all the difference in the lives of cancer patients worldwide.
