Riders' Stories

Riders' Blogs

Click on the links below to read 2009 HERSHEY'S Tour de Pink riders' blogs. If you are blogging and would like to be listed here, please send a link to your blog to Virginia Falces the YSC Web Manager, and she will add it to this page.

Trish and Her Bike by rider Trish Taylor

Getting Strong Now by rider Amy Johnson

Dreaming On Two Wheels by rider Alane Davis

YSC Puck Bunnies by riders Anna Cluxton and Alison Lukan

How To Blog Your Ride

A blog of your HERSHEY'S Tour de Pink experience from training to the ride itself can be a useful tool for raising awareness of breast cancer in young women, helping with your fundraising and keeping your donors up to date on your progress. Here are some free, hosted blogs that we recommend for getting started:

YSC Bulletin Boards
Our free, hosted blogs are part of our bulletin boards. Join Us to get started with your own blog today.

Blogger.com

Wordpress

At either of these sites you can quickly and easily create your very own blog, and both have online help and FAQs to help you get started.

Examples of blogs from past years: Survivor Courtney's 2007 blog; 2007 Group Riders' Blog; 2006 & 2007 rider Will's blog; and One Sweet Ride.

Riders' Profiles (Names in pink designate breast cancer survivors.)

We are pleased to announce that professional cyclists Mari Holden, Frankie Andreu and Kimberly Baldwin will be joining us in 2009. This will make Mari's 4th ride, Frankie's 2nd and Kimberly's 2nd too.

Choose a Rider to Learn more

Mari Holden James George
Frankie Andreu Maureen Gotay
Kimberly Baldwin Karen Hagopian
Lisa J. Frank Amy Johnson
Matt Purdue Laurah Turner Jones
Julie Bates Noel Knecht
Christine Benjamin Maureen Parrish
Ted Berkowitz Anne Marie Potter
Anna Cluxton Pam Reifinger
Virginia Falces Dennis Simmons
Peter Finder Heather Young
Mitchell Fink  
Emily Fox  

Mari Holden

Mari is a widely accomplished road cyclist who lives and trains in Colorado Springs, CO. She's a five-time United States Cycling Federation national time trial champion and a USCF national road race champion. In 2000, Mari stood on the Olympic podium in Sydney to collect a silver medal in the time trial event, becoming the first U.S. Olympic cyclist since 1984 to win a medal in road cycling.

Mari has been touched by breast cancer, as several members of her family had been diagnosed with the disease, including one family member under 30. She is an active volunteer for the Breast Cancer Research Association Foundation. Mari is also a Member of the Athletic Advisory Committee to the U.S. Olympic Committee, USA Cycling Board of Directors and an Athlete Ambassador for the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. Learn more at www.mariholden.com

Frankie Andreu

Frankie is one of the most popular and well-respected names in American professional cycling. He retired from racing at the end of 2000, after a 12-year professional career, and was the captain of the 1999 and 2000 winning Tour de France teams. During his racing career he competed in the Tour de France nine times. He was one of the team's most selfless performers and most depended on workers. In addition, he competed in three Tours of Spain and one Giro d' Italia. His racing experience not only encompassed Grand Tours but also included high placed finishes in World Cup events, World Championships, Spring Classics, as well as two Olympic Games: 1988 placing 8th in Seoul, Korea, and 1996 placing fourth in Atlanta.

Since retirement from the professional peloton, Frankie has been team director for some of the most powerful American and International teams. He is also a gifted writer, and his Tour de France commentaries have been published on many different websites. Frankie's face can be seen on the cable channel Versus every July during coverage of the Tour de France. You can discover more information at www.frankieandreu.com

Kimberly Baldwin

Kimberly is one of the most prominent female cyclists today. She became a professional duathlete in 1999 and is a three-time USCF National Time Trial Champion. She is also a two-time winner of the Tour of Gila in New Mexico. In addition, Kimberly won the Australian Tour de Snowy as well as the Tour of Switzerland in 2001. She has ridden for Saturn and T-Mobile and has ridden the Tour de Pink in the past. Kimberly is very excited for this year's ride and looks forward to the journey.

Lisa J. Frank

Lisa Frank, co-director of the 2009 Hershey's Tour de Pink, is one of the 13 founding members of the Young Survival Coalition (YSC). Lisa began riding in multi-day charity cycling events in 1995, raising money for AIDS. She was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer in 1998 at the age of 36. After returning to civilian life as a survivor, Lisa set her post-treatment goal to finish the 500-mile, six-day Alaska AIDS Vaccine Ride in August 2000. She achieved her goal and also participated in the 2001 Montreal to Portland (Maine) AIDS Vaccine Ride. Lisa was instrumental in planning the first annual YSC York Tour de Pink in 2004. While training for the 2004 Tour de Pink, Lisa was diagnosed with Stage II recurrence of her breast cancer and was unable to ride. Two and a half years after her second diagnosis, Lisa was healthy and rode in her second York Tour de Pink, her third the following year in 2007 and her fourth in 2008. Lisa is a member of the YSC Board of Directors, the YSC Development Committee and participates in the Point of Contact program. Lisa is a lawyer for ADP, Inc., in Florham Park, NJ, and resides in Red Bank, NJ.

Matt Purdue

Matt Purdue, 2009 Hershey's Tour de Pink co-director, has been cycling nearly his entire life. Matt created the Hershey's Tour de Pink with Lisa Frank six years ago to celebrate the work of his partner, Randi Rosenberg, one of the Young Survival Coalition's past presidents and past board chairman. Following the birth of his daughter, Alexandra Marais, in June 2004, Matt promised to do his part to fight breast cancer in young women in this and future generations. Matt rode in the 2004 Tour de Pink two weeks after being hit by a car that separated his shoulder. Currently, Matt races for Team Setanta in New York and is a member of the Century Road Club Association. He works as a senior analyst for Peppercom, a strategic communications firm, writes for PEZ Cycling News and is the author of two adventure travel books. His articles have appeared in Bicycling and Outside. Matt currently resides in Manhattan.

Julie Bates

Julie is a 5-year cancer survivor. This will be her first TDP race, and she is totally excited for it. Julie wants to show that cancer may slow you down, but it never stops you. She is one of the founding members of the YSC Duluth and has a son and a daughter. Julie is looking forward to this race for the experience, as well as to celebrate being a survivor.

Christine Benjamin

At 36, Christine was not ready for breast cancer. Christine has a history of the disease in her family, having lost her grandmother, aunt and cousin. She discovered a lump right before her 37th birthday. She kept a positive attitude and received a surprise party from her partner right before treatment began. Even though they had only been together for a year at the time, Christine's partner stood by her and helped her fight any way she could. During her battle, Christine found the YSC, became a member of the Board of Directors and implemented the Point of Contact Program. Christine also began studying photography after her diagnosis and now photographs women with breast cancer. Her photos have won many awards and she hopes to spread awareness as best she can. Christine rides for herself, her loved ones, and to show the Young Survival Coallition's everlasting support.

Ted Berkowitz

Ted Berkowitz is a triathlete, and this marks his fourth year as a Hershey's Tour de Pink rider. He previously raised more than $3,000 through his participation in the York Tour de Pink and $10,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through his participation in the Memphis and Chicago triathlons. Ted lost his brother Mike (also a cyclist) to lung cancer in 1999 and is a Trustee of the Michael Berkowitz Lung Cancer Foundation at Beth Israel Medical Center. Ted's first foray into the Tour de Pink was in 2005 when he rode on behalf of his friend and co-founder of the Tour de Pink, Lisa Frank. Ted rode again in the 2006 York Tour de Pink (along with Lisa) and again in 2007. As the father of a young woman, Sara, he is particularly committed to YSC.

Anna Cluxton

Anna is the Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Young Survival Coalition. This is Anna's first TDP, and she is excited for it for multiple reasons. Having gotten breast cancer in 2001, Anna feels a personal connection with the cause. She is currently on medication for further prevention, but has lost seven friends this past year alone. Anna is hoping to raise a lot of money for the cause and is looking forward to this intense physical challenge.

Virginia Falces

An avid runner and marathoner for a number of years, Virginia became hooked on cycling two years ago while training for her first York Tour de Pink with friend and Tour co-director Lisa Frank. "In 2006, training with Lisa, who had only recently finished treatment, and meeting all the courageous women and their partners, family and friends that I did was an amazing and life-altering experience. I hope to participate every year and continue to support these women however I can." Virginia is also the YSC's Website Manager.

Peter Finder

Peter Finder, originally from the Chicago area, is an avid cyclist. He participated in the 2004 Tour de Pink, which featured more than 6,100 feet of climbing over 262 miles. Now he enjoys riding the beautiful rolling hills of upstate New York and New England, especially with his wife Cindy Rubin, a seven-year breast cancer survivor as well as founding member and former president of the Young Survival Coalition. Peter is an active supporter of the YSC, and his employer, Rose Brand, Inc., a leading supplier of specialty textiles for film and theater, is one of the York Tour de Pink's biggest sponsors. Peter dedicates his rides to Cindy and all of the gutsy women of the YSC. Peter resides with his wife in Manhattan.

Mitchell Fink

Mitchell Fink, co-chair of the 2008 Hershey's Tour de Pink, rode in the 2006 ride and was the highest fundraiser out of 45 riders. Returning for a second year in 2007, he was again one of the top fundraisers and a driving force in both team building and motivation. In Mitchell's words: "Why I'm doing what I'm doing ... Andrea. My hero. Brave. Caring. Smart. Funny. The glass is half full outlook. And beautiful. A couple of years ago, when Andrea had her first bout with breast cancer, she exhibited all of the traits listed and many more that made everyone proud to know her. We all tried to help her. Recently, we were told that Andrea's breast cancer has recurred. And we are all trying to continue to help her in the brave fight. And we all tried to help the organizations that are helping the people like her battle and win over this disease. For myself, I have found that focusing on doing some good and supporting the YSC, I can accomplish some small victories that will help Andrea and others. Bike riding is new for me, as is fundraising. By participating in the York Tour de Pink I have found a great combination of new activities that make me feel good and help others." Editor's note: Andrea is Mitch's daughter.

Emily Fox

For Emily Fox, everything was finally perfect in her life. She had a great job, both of her children were in college and she had a loving partner. Having had a family history of breast cancer, Emily went for regular mammograms. However, Emily was diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump. Fortunately, her family and friends were with her through thick and thin, and her partner was always by her side. Emily went through an extremely emotional journey but had never-ending support. Pam, Emily's partner, showed support in so many ways, including athletic events for breast cancer awareness. This included Hershey's Tour de Pink. This year, Emily will participate in the race right next to Pam (see above for Pam's profile), showing how much she's overcome.

James George

James D. George (Jim) is Vice President, Community Relations, for The Hershey Company. In this role, he is responsible for the company's community involvement, both locally and internationally. Jim joined The Hershey Company in 1984. He held several positions in Hershey's Sales and Sales Management positions in the first eight years of his career. He then spend 16 years as part of the packaging organization and become the Vice President of Global Packaging in 2004. Jim recently took on a new assignment as the Vice President, Community Relations, in February 2008. His responsibilities include overseeing corporate giving, continuing to strengthen the company's ties with Milton Hershey School and leading community outreach and operations for Hershey's Track & Field Games. In addition, he is responsible for the company's charitable sponsorships and lends support for programs including United Way and efforts on behalf of the Children's Miracle Network. He also supports Hershey's broader corporate social responsibility efforts.

Jim enjoys riding his bike recreationally and has ridden in the MS-150 City to Shore Bike Tour for the last ten years, in support of Multiple Sclerosis. He has participated in a one-day ride with the Hershey's Tour de Pink for two years. Jim is riding this year because he wants to do something for the people who have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer and to support The Hershey Company's sponsorship of this event.

Maureen Gotay

Maureen Gotay is certainly no stranger to breast cancer. Having had her grandmother pass away at the age of 32 from the disease, Maureen was sure to get regular mammograms. Unfortunately, upon returning from her second honeymoon in Italy, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Five days before Christmas, she had a bilateral mastectomy, and then did chemotherapy and radiation over six months. Then, both her cousin and sister were diagnosed with breast cancer and both had mastectomies. Fortunately, all three women are survivors, and Maureen has since started the YSC Affiliate in Melbourne Beach, Florida. Maureen hopes to do as much as possible to end this terrible disease and is so excited to participate in the Hershey's Tour de Pink.

Karen Hagopian

Having just gotten her Master's degree, Karen was ready to really start her life. She had been living in NYC with her boyfriend and just started working as a social worker. She was always healthy but, unfortunately, was diagnosed with breast cancer at 26. Karen kept a positive attitude during her entire treatment, having friends, family and her boyfriend to rely on, as well as the YSC. Karen has finished her cancer battle and has been participating in the Tour de Pink for the past two years. She is riding for a cure, the Young Survival Coallition, the strength and camaraderie of her fellow riders and for reclaiming confidence in herself that she had lost during treatment.

Amy Johnson

Amy Johnson is a 35-year-old breast cancer survivor who joined The Hershey Company's International Division in 2008 as a financial analyst. Diagnosed at age 32 with Stage III breast cancer, Amy credits her family, friends, fantastic medical team, cancer organizations such as YSC, and her sense of humor for getting her through two years of treatment that have left her cancer free.

Amy lives near Hershey, PA, and is ready to feel healthy and strong again through training for this ride. She is excited to raise awareness about breast cancer in young women and feels lucky to work for Hershey Company, which supports this cause that so greatly impacts her life. This is Amy's first Hershey's Tour de Pink, and she is enjoying her experience.

Laurah Turner Jones

An experienced athlete, Laurah is a 26-year-old, two-time breast cancer survivor. Originally diagnosed in 2004 at 22, Laurah had a lumpectomy and then pursued her life with new zeal. She received her MS in Human Biology and is currently working for her PhD in Biological Anthropology at Indiana University in Bloomington. She also continually competes in triathlons and marathons.

Unfortunately, Laurah had a recurrence in 2008. She and her doctor tried a clinical trial of radiation that would allow her to finish her fall semester at school. Three weeks after having radiation twice-a-day for five days, Laurah placed third in The One Loop HUFF, an eleven-mile race. Now, having breast cancer be a part of her life for so long, she changed her dissertation research to focus on the relationship between diet, exercise and breast cancer risk. Laurah has multiple races scheduled, including the New Orleans 70.3 Ironman. However, she is most excited for Hershey's Tour de Pink! For Jones, organizations like YSC, provides great hope: hope for better education, better treatment, better research; hope for a cure.

Noel Knecht

Noel Knecht was diagnosed with Stage IIB breast cancer on January 15, 2002, at the age of 34. She was treated at the Betty Torricelli Breast Center and the Northern New Jersey Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, where she underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction and chemotherapy treatments. Noel credits her family, friends and even strangers for supporting her during her battle. She sent email updates about her treatments to family and friends, who forwarded them along to their friends. Soon, she was receiving words of encouragement from people she never met. This became her support group.

Prior to her first Tour de Pink ride in 2004, Noel was only an occasional cyclist. After purchasing her first road bike and training during the summer of 2004, she completed the inaugural Tour de Pink with flying colors and has continued to ride in the 2005, 2006, 2008 and now the 2009 Tour de Pink. In addition to being a member of the YSC, Noel is actively involved in other cancer organizations. She is currently a Volunteer Legislative ambassador and Reach to Recovery volunteer for the American Cancer Society. Noel works for Banana Republic, where she is the New York regional Community representative. She resides Hoboken, NJ.

Maureen Parrish

In the fall of 2005, it seemed that things couldn't have been better for Maureen. She was about to celebrate her first anniversary with her husband, Rob, and getting ready to move into their new house they had just built. However, upon finding a lump in the shower, Maureen soon found out she had stage II Breast Cancer at the age of 35. She had three months of chemo and a double mastectomy. Once she was NED (no evidence of disease), Maureen started focusing on spreading breast cancer awareness. She started working with the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery Program and then discovered the Young Survival Coallition. Maureen has since become a leader of the Detroit Affiliate. This will be the first time Maureen is competing in a bike race, and, along with her best friend Chelsey, she cannot wait for the event. Maureen feels so blessed for being able to participate, saying: "When I look back at my life before cancer, it is staggering to me how full my life has become, and I am determined to make the most of everyday."

Anne Marie Potter

Anne has dealt with breast cancer for a long time. In January 2002, she learned that her sister was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 32. Then, in 2005, Anne herself discovered she had Stage III breast cancer. Focused not as much on her as her three boys, all of whom were under three at the time, Anne fought as hard as she could. After learning about the Tour de Pink through her sister completing it, Anne felt empowered to ride as well. Anne is a huge supporter of the YSC in its mission, research and overall advocacy for breast cancer in younger women.

Pam Reifinger

Pam Reifinger is breast cancer survivor Emily Fox's partner (see above for Emily's profile) and a constant support system for Emily. Having lost her parents early to cancer, she could not imagine losing another loved one. Pam became a pillar for Emily during her battle, always being there for every appointment. Pam considers Emily an inspiration and rides for her and for all women who are fighting this disease.

Dennis Simmons

Dennis Simmons is a professional indoor cycling instructor and has been teaching and riding (indoors and outdoors) for over nine years. He is certified by Mad Dogg Athletics (Spinning), Bally's Total Fitness and, most recently, with LA Fitness. He has participated in numerous fundraising rides, Tour of Hope, Live Strong, MS rides and Team in Training rides and has always taken groups of students on Bike New York events, including the Five Boro Bike Tour for several years. He continues to introduce the joy of cycling to his students in all his classes.

Though originally from Texas, Dennis now lives in Chappaqua, New York, and teaches in both New York and New Jersey. During the day, Dennis is the Chief Operating Officer of the Wayne Surgical and Elite Surgical Centers in Wayne, New Jersey. This is Dennis's Hershey's first Tour de Pink, and he is riding for members of his family as well as very close friends who are breast cancer survivors.

Heather Young

This is Heather first Tour de Pink. Heather is a three-year cancer survivor. She has two daughters and is an oncology nurse. Heather is passionate about spreading her knowledge of cancer treatments and chemotherapy to her patients, especially since she was initially misdiagnosed for mastitis. Heather wants to show how a positive attitude can help any situation.