To the entire BellRinger Community — I am beyond thrilled to join you in your efforts to end cancer as the newest Executive Director of BellRinger. While I am looking forward to the opportunity to get to know each and every one of you, I figured I could share a little about me to get the ball rolling on an amazing future for BellRinger. I have always called the DMV area home, as does my husband of 15 years, Warren. We met when I attended the Academy of the Holy Cross and he attended Georgetown Prep. After quite a few years in Pennsylvania for college, graduate school and work, we are both back in the DC area, making Takoma Park – just a block in from the DC line – our home for the last 18+ years. During this time, we have grown our family to five with two children, Audrey (14) and Oliver (11), and our dog named Bear.
I’ve worked at Georgetown University for close to 20 years, all within the Office of Advancement, working closely with the Georgetown Alumni Association. I have stayed at Georgetown for as long as I have because the community is so dynamic, creative, engaged, and diverse. I’ve had the opportunity to build, innovate, and grow alongside incredible alumni volunteers and partners. That sense of entrepreneurial spirit and the Jesuit values that are at the core of Georgetown is what ultimately led me to BellRinger.
My first understanding of cancer was at age seven when my grandfather was diagnosed with colon cancer. While it was the 1980’s and he lived in Ohio, I still have vivid memories of recording cassette tapes for him – telling him about my day, reading stories, and sharing anything that came to mind so that my grandmother could play them for him in the hospital and later when he was in hospice care at home. My grandfather was my first best friend in this world, and losing him to cancer made an indelible mark on me.
When I heard about BellRinger’s Inaugural Ride in 2022, I knew I had to be involved. I participated as a Virtual Rider, intrigued by the spirit and passion of the mission and the brand. I wasn’t quite confident enough to ride the 25 miles but I wanted to support the Ride in a way I knew I could. Between supporting the researchers, celebrating the cancer survivors, and honoring those who had lost their battle to cancer, my involvement was one of the best decisions I ever made. Having worked at Georgetown for as long as I have, I knew of the phenomenal reputation of Georgetown Lombardi, but getting involved in BellRinger allowed me the opportunity to truly understand the cutting-edge, life-saving research that is happening every day. From finding new treatment options for historically difficult-to-treat pancreatic cancer to leveraging immunotherapy to increase survival rates for melanoma patients, that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to critical research happening right here at Georgetown Lombardi. I feel so incredibly grateful to have this resource right here in our backyard.
My vision for BellRinger is rooted in community. Together, we have already raised over $3.2 million for cancer research. Together, over 1,500 Riders have united year after year to ride towards a cancer free future. Just imagine how much more we can continue to do, together. Whether it’s anger, optimism, grief, or hope that fuels your Ride, we all have one shared goal – eliminating cancer. The larger we grow our community, the greater chance we have at making that goal a reality.
This year, you will see me on the 25-mile route on my brand-new e-bike decked out in BellRinger blue, thinking of my grandfather and others I have lost to cancer the entire way. I can’t wait to meet all of our Riders, volunteers, and supporters, and hear their stories of what inspired them to get involved. What I know now that I may not have in 2022 is that BellRinger isn’t just for cyclists, but a Ride for people who hate cancer. And I definitely hate cancer. My entire family will be joining me as well – you’ll see Warren driving a SAG wagon, and my kids cheering every Rider along the route. And if you are really lucky, you’ll get a BellRinger friendship bracelet if you run into Audrey!
I cannot put into words the level of anticipation and excitement I have to see the BellRinger community in action for the first time this fall. Thank you for all you do to make a cancer free future a reality. Let’s do this!
