RTCC Riders Tell Their Stories: Carmen Fights Against Cancer

SUPPORT Carmen: http://ow.ly/zuu06

Why I am participating:

Working as a bedside RN, I experience first hand how devastating a diagnosis of cancer is for patients and their families. 

Personally, I experienced the impact of cancer when my husband's uncle was diagnosed with leukemia 3 years ago. His life transformed from always being at work and traveling to business meetings to staying home and struggling my nausea, anorexia, and weakness while undergoing #chemotherapy. At least once a month he was admitted to the hospital for an infection because his body was too weak to defend itself. His disease affected the whole family. 

His wife became his primary caregiver and advocate, his sister flew in from Canada multiple times a year to cook his favorite meals and engage him in conversations about the past. 

The nieces and nephews, including my husband and I, entertained him by solving puzzles and took his son on outings. 

I, as a nurse, supported the wife in understanding the medical aspect of the disease. It took a family effort and today my husband's uncle's leukemia has been in remission for 6 month and controlled with oral chemotherapy. 

With the Ride to Conquer Cancer, I want to do my part in helping to find a cure. 

This picture was taken at this beginning of the C&O canal bike ride from Cumberland to Georgetown. It took me and my friends 3 days to complete this 184 mile trip.

SUPPORT Carmen: http://ow.ly/zuu06