A #Bacchetta Corsa S/S, a #disabled-#cancer survivor-Celebrating #recumbent #cycling, life and paying it forward!

Hello, my name is Gina Utegg.  I am a proud new member of TEAM BACCHETTA.

My story is that of challenge, disability, cancer survivorship, and moving on in a positive way.  My Bacchetta Corsa S/S is an important part of my journey and my recovery.

Not Your Average B

I am not the typical TEAM B cyclist.  Cycling makes me happy, healthy, and allows me to defy the odds by showing people around the United States of America that a disabled, cancer survivor can enjoy a great sport, and come back from despair, obesity, depression and being told that they can never ride a two-wheeled bike again.

Some Life of My Life Trials and Celebrations

I am proud to say that I ride a two-wheel bike again.  I was injured in an automobile accident 2001, and then injured again (trauma again).  I have some serious and disabling results from these traumas.

Living With Disability

To make a long story short, I have a traumatic brain injur(ies) (TBI), post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), spinal cord injuries, and serious damage to my central nervous system. But I’m ALIVE.  That is what motivates and focuses me.  I am a survivor!  I am also a mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, recreational cyclist, techno-geek, science afficianado, artist, public speaker, disabled-competitive and endurance cyclist, and a productive member of the  disability, cancer and my community.  It is my pleasure to represent my communities, ride my Bacchetta Corsa S/S, succeed, and raise money for multiple great charitable events.  The Face of America ride from DC to Gettysburg (World T.E.A.M. Sports-T.E.A.M. is an acronym for THE EXCEPTIONAL ATHLETE MATTERS) and the Adventure T.E.A.M. Challenge https://www.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeam.asp?ievent=1006300&lis=1&kntae1006300=737C075DB2DD4A01B20D97C446450DC8&supld=172777438&team=5068292 (pffeewwww, that was a long URL).

Living With Cancer

I am also a breast cancer survivor.  Yes, another community that I embrace and fund raise for.  I am living with cancer, have been through a lot, and enjoy the positive networking of the Pan Mass Challenge http://www.pmc.org/egifts/GU0004 and LiveStrong http://laf.livestrong.org/goto/HeckCancer  and really want to raise money to find better treatments, cures and hope that others do not have to go through what I have been through.  Here is a short list of events that I have planned for this year (all events are 501c3-donations are tax deductible):

Response To My Bacchaetta Corsa S/S

What amazes me most about my Bacchetta is how much of a conversation starter it is.  Whether I’m on a training ride, or at fund-raising events, people (young and old) love to stop me and ask me questions about my bike.  I take the time and answer the questions. Why? Because recumbent cycling gave me my life back.  When I ride, my troubles do not come with me.  I am free, just another cyclist.  If someone starts exercising and getting healthier because they see me out there having fun and just trying my best, well, that is a great day!

Bacchetta Corsa S/S Face of America 2012

 

Things that make you go hhmmmmnnnnn?

After the first utterance of, “WOW….  That is a cool bike.  What is it called?” I look at the person and can see the excitement in their face and a smile.  People love to look and talk about cool things and quality things.  My Bacchetta is both, so it is flattering and a pleasure to talk to people.  I tell them about Bacchetta and the various recumbents, and I say with a smile that this is a high racer.  Many people have seen recumbents.  They are extremely curious about the various styles, how they work, what they ride like, components, and why I ride one.  I do my best to explain the various styles.

Bacchetta Corsa S/S full view

What is the bike like?

I have owned many trikes and recumbents.  I have also test ridden various styles.  Each recumbent I have owned has been for a purpose and has suited my needs very well.  I now own only one recumbent, my Bacchetta Corsa S/S.  Why this one?  The answer from my heart is it makes me happy and I love it.  The more technical answer is that it is lightweight, performs well, it’s a formidable hilling bike, it’s fast, I can ride with my road-bike friends, and the positioning helps reduce the pain in my back, cervical spine and legs.  Lastly, it is light enough to put on a bike rack or in my car after a ride.

Why Is Your Chain So Long and How Many Gears Do You Have?

The next question for most people is usually about the chain.  People are intrigued by the length of the chain and how many gears (27) that I have.  Now, I am not an Engineer, but I do explain in the best way possible how the longer the chain, the center of gravity, and how the drive train of the recumbent works.  People are amazed.

Bacchetta Corsa S/S high-end components

High-End Components

The next observation for most people is the high-quality components that the Corsa S/S has and how well the bike is designed and made.  That makes me very happy.  I see many cool bikes on my rides.  When you see a well-made bike of any kind, complimenting craftsmanship and beautiful design is part of the biking community.  I am lucky part of this community also and am honored to answer questions about a bike I am proud to ride.

Bacchetta Corsa S/S crank and pedals

Bacchetta Corsa S/S front fork

Is It “Comfy” or “Hard To Ride”

The last questions are actually funny to me.  People see me riding, and either say, “That looks comfy” or “”Wow, it must be hard to ride that?” The reason why I find it funny, is that it does not matter what bike you are riding (road, recumbent, trike, mountain, hybrid etc.).  In order for you to enjoy cycling, you need proper fit, which in turn would make any bike “comfy.”  So, yes my bike is very comfy.

The question on, “is it a bit hard to ride,” is also relative.  Cycling is a fabulous sport.  Just as in life, you need to crawl before you can walk.  So, is there a learning curve?  The answer is, of course!  There is also in learning curve for every other type and style of bike and cycling.  With my injuries, I was actually probably more conservative than most in learning how to cycle safely.  I had professional instruction for rehabilitation specialists at first.  I also train almost daily (cycling/weights etc) with medical oversight.  I gained experience riding with groups on trails. I also gained confidence in my balance, riding and ability.  My riding experience improved and so did my bike.  I would suggest to anyone that they learn to ride a bike in a nice, step-wise fashion regardless of their life situation.  The bottom line is that my Bacchetta Corsa S/S is a high quality, high racer, and yes, you do need to spend some time learning how to ride safely and confidently.  That is not “hard,” that is the process called emerging as a formidable recreational, endurance or competitive cyclist.

I will be doing the events listed above and will write (ok, dictate with assistive technology) blogs of the rides.  My hope is to share awareness for some great charitable causes.  I also appreciate donations or reblogging, for donations and awareness.  Additionally, I proudly represent Bacchetta bikes and TEAM BACCHETTA.  I would like to that Rich and Mike and the TEAM for your great advice, support and for making a bike I enjoy.

The adventures that I embark on will show how much can be done in the disability, cancer and cycling communities while riding a great bike-a Bacchetta.  I am not a sales person.  I’m just a person, who is glad to be ALIVE, loves to bike, is fortunate to have a great family and friends, and would like to make some positive impact in this crazy world.  Come follow my adventures.

Be well and ride safely,

Gina

If you are interested in learning more about my story, here are two articles.  Thank you!

http://www.wickedlocal.com/tewksbury/news/x1018068122/Tewksbury-cyclist-rides-through-lifes-challenges#axzz1titLK126

http://tewksbury.patch.com/articles/Gina-Utegg

 

Welcome to #NewEngland! Enjoy a beautiful #flower #garden. #ArtTherapy

It is a slightly snowy New England today.  Just a dusting.  It is January 30, 2012, and we have not had much snow.  So it is kinda pretty.

We usually publish blogs about cancer and/or disability.  Our hope is to make the world a better place.  We enjoy sharing our experiences.  We provide resources, networking, ideas for sports rehab, and let you know what we’re doing.  We’re usually “on the move,” biking, kayaking, doing triathlon, fund-raising for charity, and trying really hard to stay physically active and mentally fit.

What you don’t see is our other talents.  We are electronicBRAINedgement.  We love gadgets, gizmos, tech stuff, nerdiness and “fixing things.” We are the complex group who enjoy life and all of its wonders.  Today’s blog it is to show our love of photography, and nature.

You see, we take a lot of pictures.  Too many (hahahahhaaa) based on the drain on our server.   We rarely get to go through them.  Well, we should more often.  After coffee, we looked at some pictures…What we liked were our florals/garden shots.

Please sit back, relax and enjoy where we live….New England-we share our passion for technology and nature with you….

Our color palette is bold.  We choose to cultivate flowers, grasses and herbs of rich colors and freaky textures (yes, those are the technical terms). We enjoy contrasting scenaries.  Our approach to gardening is multi-media.  All photos taken with either Nokia mobile phones, HTC mobile phones or a Canon Power Shot.  All of the photos are our own and taken in my personal flower garden.  This is the beauty that surrounds us.  ENJOY!

Wild Lupine…Wow.. They have a unique look.  They remind me of a forest of really cool purple/blue flowers that stand tall and stick together.

These are sometimes called White Swamp Azalea…I think they should be called, “Wicked Cool White Flowers with Attitude!”

New growth on Lavender…..Amazing…                                          

Azaleas……AAAAhhhhhhhhhhhhhh……

Tulips…Hollands gift to us all…

Flowering verigated grasses       It’s OK if your ROCK GARDEN dries up…

Verigated grasses and mixing of color, texture, and size make a fun(ky) garden….

May be Yellow Aster…..Just think it is pretty…

This was just a few snap shots of New England….We will likely post more.  Thank you and have a great day……

Ide’s rainbow…A gift from heaven to all of us…

 PS…We may not have have the correct genus/species of plant named above, but we liked what we shot. Hope you do too.

The gift of art and happiness….Please also  share the gift of a donation to any of our 501(c)3 charities through these secure links.

Pan Mass Challenge 2012-Fighting cancer one pedal stroke at a time: https://www.pmc.org/egifts/GU0004

World T.E.A.M. Sports 2012-Cycling for soldiers and disability resources-Team WHO SAYS I CAN’T:

http://worldteamsports.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1001477&lis=1&kntae1001477=3F208DF0C7964E039312678F74F04B97&supId=315433167

 Philly LiveSTRONG Challenge 2012-CCC-Utegg’s fight cancer together: http://laf.livestrong.org/site/TR?px=1006085&fr_id=1180&pg=personal

~Be the Change You Want To See In The World

 

#CANCER-The JOURNEY, some pitfalls, HOPE…and fighting back…

Hello,

I am a BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR! Diagnosed with breast cancer 2009. I was 40 years old at the time. It was my first mammogram.  Of course, I have seen and been hurt by cancer from watching loved ones fight the battle, hasn’t everybody? This time it was me.  How could it be?  What did I do wrong?  The answer is, I did nothing wrong-cancer happens.

It happens too often, and something needs to be done about it.  I work hard now to try to exercise and live a healthy lifestyle.  My outlet has been my recumbent bike.  Riding my bike helps me refocus my thoughts to the positive.  It also allows me to achieve great personal success, meet people in the cancer community, raise awareness of programs and resourses, and raise money to fight cancer.  This year I’m doing a number of charity rides.  An important ride is the  August 2012 Philadelphia LiveSTRONG Challenge.  This will be my third year cycling this event.  I am signed up for the 70-mile route and will train hard for myself, my family and for my cancer community.  If you’re looking for a good tax deductible charity, which helps a lot of people navigate through cancer, please support me as I ride with a group called Cyclists Combating Cancer.  My secure personal donation page can be found at: http://laf.livestrong.org/goto/HeckCancer .  Donations of any amount are appreciated go toward the many programs provided free of charge by the Lance Armstrong Foundation/LiveSTRONG

 

Why I Fundraise for LiveSTRONG, cancer charities, and need your help:

I never realized how emotionally draining and chaotic the process of being diagnosed and treated for cancer really is. There were biopsies, surgeries, so many statistics thrown at me, and treatment plans that were just plain confusing. 2009 was a really long year. Not just for me..for my family, my friends, and honestly for the thousands or millions of other people, who  I had no idea were also battling this thing called CANCER.

LiveSTRONG can help you with questions, clinical trials, mental health and financial advice.  It’s a free service.  That is why I ride.  Here is the site http://www.Livestrong.org/gethelp/

My journey continues and I am two years cancer free.  Two years is a great milestone and I’m very proud to be a cancer survivor.  I am also aware of the fact that noone should take cancer for granted.  It tends to creep up people and sucker punch them.  I can say that I hate cancer, however, going through treatment journey was life altering and helped me understand myself better. I also realized humanity, humility and love are alive and well.

This becomes clear when you see the outpouring of support from family and friends.  Fascinatingly, many of my closest bonds and realization of unconditional caring and love was from the other patients in treatment.  You spend a lot of time in treatment.  Sights, smells, faces and memories of chemotherapy and radiation become a part of you.  It is a love/hate relationship.  You know you need the treatment to get better.  You also see friends die.  That is the hardest part.  That feeling of helplessness when a lovely person tells you,” I will not be in treatment anymore.”

The first time I heard this, I said “Oh good, wow, you finished early, COOL.” I was naive.  How would I know?  The patient’s spouse clarified, “no honey, we were told there is nothing more they can do.” Again, how would I know?  I thought we were all in treatment to get better.  It never occurred to me that some of us were not going to make it.  Well, many of my family and friends did not make it through treatment, but some did not.  Was it painful?  Absolutely.  I would attend funerals and was overwhelmed at first.  Then the crazy part is, after some time and reflection, there was some kind of peace with myself and the loss of people I loved.  Not happiness, peace…..I let go of the anger and lessened my sadness. It does creep in at times and I cry, but…..I hold in my heart the joy and positive energy from the people that I was lucky enough to have met in the first place.  I also realized how great these people were.  By the way, on each and every ride I do, I carry or wear the special gifts, trinkets, symbols and momentos that represent the bond that I have with my fallen loved ones.  They are still on the adventure/journey with me.  They are part of me and I am lucky for that.

What makes the cancer community so lovely?  The people, of course..Patient, family, friend, whoever….During treatment (and beyond), we all talked and learned about each other’s families and lives.  We shared stories that most people are too guarded to ever share.  We live and laugh each day and trully lived in the moment.  The bond that people develop while fighting for their lives is very unusual and special to me.  I have lifelong friendships with new people and I have attended so many beautiful and positive funerals for my family and friends who died of cancer.  I never want anyone to have to go through what I did, and more importantly, I am sick of seeing friends and family die.  I could either sit back and do nothing, or stand up and fight back.  I choose to fight back for ME, MY CANCER WARRIORS and ANGELS!  I do what I can to raise money to fight cancer and to provide resources (financial, clinical trials, mental health, etc.) to cancer patients and their families.  Please join my family and I, as we challenge our bodies and minds to raise money to help future generations and families currently in some stage of their cancer journey.  Again, the personal secure donation page is: http://laf.livestrong.org/goto/HeckCancer .

We appreciate tax-deductible donations of any amount.  The money is going to help many people through the programs at LiveSTRONG.  If you would like to learn more about programs at LiveSTRONG here is their homepage  http://www.livestrong.org/ (a 5013c charity)

Thank you for listening and for your support.

Take care and be well,

Gina Utegg-BC Survivor2009

This is a small tribute list of cancer warriors and angels from a shirt I had made…….This is just from people I know……It’s a real lot of people……..

Gina Utegg, Mike Utegg, Rachael Utegg, Bo the Wonder Dog, Olga Utegg, Grampa Stroh*, Uncle Butch*, Dawn Stroh Reid, Karen Stroh, Tommy Stroh, Eugene Stroh, Carl Utegg, Barbara Izzard, Richard Utegg, Belva Utegg, Sylvia Smith*, GU-Smith, Shelby Morrow, Nancy Tammi, Rica Mendes, Scott Joy, Peter Collins, Penny Thomson, Susan Mackay, Phyllis O’Grady, Jody Schoger, Steve Schoger, Ashleigh Moore, Josh Webb*, Mike Terry, Alex Ndolo, Joshua Hirsch, Donna O’Brien, C. Judy Nadeau (mum)*, Ken Madore*, Dawn Prentice*, Hope Prentice, David Vitello, Laurette Vitello, Bill Deaett*, THE WAITING ROOM, Cindi Hart, Ken Hart, Doug Ulman, Susan Betts Trueworthy, Henrike Hirsch, Jerad Wood, Branan Cooper, Chris Hornbeek, Annemieke Janssens, Mary Bartholomew, Karen Kelly Krowne, Tim Deegan, Paul Joyce, Will Swetnam, Millie Northcott, Kristine Scotto, Chip Hornbeek, Chris Hornbeek, Ann Gleavy, Ken Youner, Betty Otter-Nickerson, Brandon Hayes-Lattin, Heidi Adams, Amy Ubelhart Wall, Angela Coletti-Wetherbee, Ali Shaw, Spokes of Hope, Geoffrey Moulton, Toni Moulton, Phil Hoke, Buddy Rizzo, Zach Strahan, Jan Frandsen, Brian Wolf, Marcia Dana, Greg Dana, Pan-Mass Challenge, Lance Armstrong, LAF, LiveSTRONG, Danny Trauth, Ang Madsen-Gilchrist, Dereesa Reid, Jacob T. Burns, Len Svitenko, Andy Anderson, Debi Greiman Trauth, Evan Wilkinson, Penny Feddick, Alexa Belotti Simoneit, Nancy Hooijen, Sue Skeggs, Mike Terry, Sam Pellegrino, Stacey Stewart, Pam Black, Patrick Chatfield, Kate Bartholomew, Crawford Inglis, Calvin H. Bartholomew, Gena Moe Solar, Joshua Larsen, Kristen Palazzo Catton, Rebecca Esparza, Ed Herndon, Erik Pearson, Rich Ehrmann, Sandra Beebe, Sherry Skillz Rosenkranz, Jon Binsted, Nicole Armstrong Newcomb, Ryan Newcomb, Renee Nichols, Eric Charsky, Dann Sullivan*, Loren Sullivan, Lorraine Sulivan, Bridget Slotemaker*, Kolman Kleinbord, Kathy Robinson, Mark Knight, LiveSTRONG for Germany, Kathleen C., Kathleen Reid, Kayla Kenney*, Heidi Floyd, John Lind, Fred Ulmer, Rica Mendes, Deb Salada, Matt McGinty, MA-LiveSTRONG, Dr. Robb Friedman, Dr. Gayle Tillman, MGH Boston, NEHO, Harvard Vanguard, Kim VandeBogart, Jeremy VandeBogart,Tricia Glynn Korbl, Reilly Korbl, Laszlo Korbl, Belmont Wheel Works, Chet Sullivan, Randy Foster, Michael Jacobs, *Chet Sullivan, Eric Heiden, Timra Stump, Kathy Cyrier, Jean Marie Buckley, Patti Curtin, Ken Legro, Bob Cullinan, Jon Binsted, Cyclist Combating Cancer, Cindy Graf, Rich Ehrmann, Rebecca Esparza, Crystal Hogg, Brandon Hayes-Lattin, Rob Sartin, Dr Sanjay Gupta, Lynette Roncin, Renee Nicholas, Kate Bartholomew, Kathleen Fetzko*, Madeline Fetzko, Elizabeth Kreutz, Joshua Hirsch, Fakhre Alam, Tahmeed Ansari,

Disabled-Cancer Surviving Moms Can Help Make The World a Better Place….Motivate, Succeed, Live, Love and Give…

There are many defining moments in one’s life.  They make us who we are, and may change our lives for the better.   

Some days are dark, and difficult but hope, love, compassion and motivation can change you for the better.

My name is Gina.  I am a 42-year old wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and a survivor.

Ten years ago, I would have written, that I am Senior Pharmaceutical Executive-Regulatory Affairs, Chemistry, Manufacture & Controls, who has contributed heavily to the reduction and eradication of infectious disease.  My life was changed in three seconds on August 20, 2001, at 6:01 pm.  I was moments from home when I saw a car, counted to three and heard what I thought was a gun shot.  It wasn’t.  The noise was my vehicle being struck head on by a drunk driver who was going 55 miles per hour.  It seems like this all happened yesterday, but as I celebrated my 10-year Alive Day on Aug 20, 2011, I realized how my life has changed and how lucky I am.

The motor vehicle accident disabled me. I suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, fatigue, and my central nervous system, back, and neck are in a chronic state of pain, strange phenomena, or just new oddities.  What broke the worst, was, ME.  That’s right.  I was not ME.  My identity was gone and it took years of psychological support for me to accept myself.  I relearned how to walk, talk, fall, eat, use assistive technology, and most importantly try to remember my brain and my occupation are now different.  Actually, I had no occupation, as my company, “let me go”, and it was determined that I was disabled in all occupations.  At first, that was one of the most hurtful and devastating things that I ever heard.
That is something that many people with disabilities are made to deal with.  Processing, grieving and accepting this fact take some time, and a lot of work.  Ten years later, I can say with confidence and pride, that I am disabled in all occupations, but an occupation does not define me.  I define me, and I am a good person who does the best she can.

My life is not easy, and some may call it tragic.  I call it, a new beginning.   Post motor vehicle accident, and my three years of self pity and shame, I was introduced to recumbent cycling and fun adventures for disabled and TBI survivors.  In this time, I had gained about 70 pounds, walking hurt my back and I got on this crazy bike called trike, and something clicked and I got my life back.  I know it sounds strange, but I could cycle and be active again and it was fantastic.  Sports were back and I needed them badly.  About this same time, I cycled more and advanced to a two-wheel recumbent, and started to find the new me.  Funny thing is that my doctors told me, I would never cycle on two wheels again.  Ok, I did wear my daughter’s hockey equipment, my helmet and a mouth guard for about 3 months as I learned, “how to ride that recumbent…”  My balance and body fought me, but I am pleased to say that after a few months of practice riding, I became a recumbent cyclist.  I currently  have thousands miles (on two and three wheels), smiles and donations banked to show those doctors, that some times, you have have to get back into life and take a chance.  That is my style and my story, but I also pay it forward.

I was becoming “New Gina” more with every pedal stroke and it was liberating.  I started going to group activities, recumbent rides, kayaking, ropes courses (through Statewide Head Injury Program) and surrounded myself with positive support groups, not doctors, but real people.  I found that though my organization skills and some cognitive function was diminished, I was still able to speak about my injuries and experience to help others.  This also gave me back so much and in turn helped people with disabilities and the doctors who were learning about treatment of TBI and PTSD, etc.

I volunteered as a speaker for the Massachusetts Brain Injury Association, a Speech and Language Pathology College course, to sudents in schools (“What is Cancer?” and “What is TBI, concussion, sports injuries and prevention”), at YMCA fundraisers, and who ever needed a speaker.  I still enjoy speaking and I learned that I still have a voice and can make a difference in this world regardless of my title, or ability. 

With help of friends, I started a blog and a Face Book group called,“electronicBRAINedgement,” and a twitter account called @BRAINtechPLEASE.  These were first introduced for the purpose of helping disabled, TBI, military and elderly find affordable assistive technology.  I became a volunteer moderator for the Symbian Foundation (Nokia), and lobbied hard for positive changes to mobile accessible devices.  Many of my thoughts and ideas have been integrated into Nuance/Talks/Dragon software in the Nokia/Symbian operating systems.  I am a disabled insider in the electronics and applications development community and my commitment is to help others.

Today @BRAINtechPLEASE has morphed into 800+ followers, who can learn about assistive technology, military, accessible sports, mental health, positive living, recreation, fund raising, and cancer.

Cancer was added as a topic on@BRAINtechPLEASE (and THE WAITING ROOM on Face Book) as unfortunately, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, April 2009.  Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and another new beginning.  The cancer survivorship brought a new sensitivity and element to my life. I was shocked and concerned, but I had already been through so much with this disabling motor vehicle accident and mishaps, and had great support, and a fabulous team of oncology doctors.  It was mainly in their hands, but my family and I pulled together and we are tough. I am 2-years cancer free on October 5, 2011.

While I was doing chemotherapy, I would go for walks, and lift one pound weights, just to fool myself into thinking that I was hurting because, I just worked out. This was a helpful strategy, especially post the Neulastin (White cells injection) which made me feel achy. My family and I used techniques to cope and overcome some of the physical discomfort of cancer treatment. It was my way of coping and it seemed to work.  Radiation was dreadful, and I do not wish that on anyone.  The burning is not nearly as painful, as being 40-years old and seeing friends die.  But I have cancer and cancer does not have me.

With this, “new beginning,” I already had some experience with coping and staying out of depression.  I was “there” before and was not going back.  So, bald, fat, and burnt, I got on a treadmill and walked, lifted weights, and rode a stationery recumbent bike because I was now determined to cycle 110 miles in two days for World T.E.A.M (The Exceptional Athlete Matters) Sport, in the Face of America (FoA) Ride.  I wanted to do this ride benefitting military healthcare and recreation sports for years.  The ride is from Washington, D.C. to Gettysburg, and I wanted to challenge myself and cycle with my disabled military friends with TBIs, PTSD, and prosthetics etc.  Finally, barely out of cancer treatment, April 2010 was my first year for FoA and I was smiling the entire ride.  I met so many wonderful people and we succeeded together on our hand cycles, recumbents and modified bikes.  I was happy cycling locally, but this event changed my life.  I was a disabled athlete riding 110 miles.  I was empowered.  This was truly a catalyst for me. Each April, I ride my recumbent and my family volunteers for the FoA.   Along the way, we meet new friends and realize that life is awesome and we are symbols of America, ability and success.

When the FoA is done, I continue blogging, and sending out resources for military assistance, TBI, PTSD, Trauma, mental health, accessible sports, healthy tips and cancer.  I ride my recumbent as many days as I can and then the cancer advocacy and fundraising rides occur.

I cycle proudly for a group called Cyclists Combating Cancer (CCC).  We are a very large group of survivors, co-survivors and people whose lives have been touched by cancer.  I enjoy this group also.  You see, we are not sitting home, worrying about cancer, we are visiting sick people and flying a flag called the Spokes of Hope (SoH).  The Spokes represent all the various types of cancer and the unity we have through the good and bad for our cancer warriors and angels.  CCC and SoH also fund raise, lobby Congress, and cycle together in every state (I made three state ride so far this year).  This year, I was the first DISabled and PINK Spokes of Hope jersey ever to lead a ride.  This was a huge deal.  I am one of three SoH members with a TBI.  The fact that I started the parade lap on my recumbent was well-publicized and well-received and I was proud to do it. I am referring to SoH Rhode Island.  What a fabulous group and we combined with TEAM M-POWER, which is the Mandeville family who lost their brother to brain cancer last year.  This collaboration was wonderful and a positive step toward combating cancer and helping people who have cancer as a disability.  The culmination of these events, is the Philadelphia LiveSTRONG Challenge.  My family and I fund raise, volunteer, and they run the 5K, while I ride my recumbent 45-miles through those lovely Pennsylvania hills.  This is my second Philly LveSTRONG, and we will continue going, as long as we can.  This Challenge brings together people of all abilities and of various stages in their cancer journey.  We all walk/jog/cycle, but most of all, fund raise, celebrate fitness, life, family and make new friends.

I attribute a lot of my success to my husband and daughter.  They have been with me through some very dark times.  Without their love, support and patience, I would not be the woman I am today.  To reiterate, my name again is Gina, Ex-Senior Pharmaceutical Executive.  I am a survivor of body and brain trauma, cancer, and more.  I am disabled, however, I have and will continue to advocate, raise awareness and money for multiple disability, fitness, YMCA, military and cancer communities.

My  new life mission is to help facilitate successful interactions and inspire people with disabilities and cancer to be comfortable with who they are, get out, have fun, make healthy choices, and enjoy the life they are lucky enough to have post a trauma or cancer.

Me on the podium. :0) Nautica Malibu ParaTri 2011

Acceptance..of many things..disability, cancer, love, friendship , family and friends who are awesome, and the award and medal.

2011 Paul Mitchell Spirit Award Recipient

2011 Winner Nautica Malibu Paratriathlon-Woman’s division