"There are no coincidences"....this is something I've heard many times over the last 6 1/2 years. I truly believe every single person who has come into my life has done so for a reason, but the importance of these meetings aren't always understood until some time has come to pass. In September of 2010 I was working the Nations Triathlon in Washington DC when I came to know the Ulman Cancer Fund and what they were doing for individuals and families affected by cancer. A year later I was working with UCF to produce the Half Full Triathlon. The power of that event was indescribable and the honor of being asked to get involved was an opportunity I feel blessed to have been given. Four years later, as my sister struggled with an illness that only seemed to get worse, our family was faced with her cancer diagnosis. What kind? Where do we go? What happens next? These were just a few questions along with all of the fears that began circulating in our minds. We received the news of Kristin's illness on a Friday am, I called my friends at Ulman Cancer Fund @ 3pm that day and had names of doctors with phone numbers by 6pm. When my sister called UPenn the following Monday morning she was greeted by a nurse who "was waiting for her call". It was at that moment I understood why I met the UCF family in 2010. There aren't enough words to express our gratitude for all of their help and support....so I will ride....one mile at a time....for UCF, all of the lives they have and will touch and for my sister, Kristin.

UCF Key to Keys Experience is a journey that brings together a diverse group of individuals to build a community of support for those affected by cancer. Using cycling as a platform, Key to Keys participants come together throughout the journey to share their individual cancer connections and give out as much support to others as they are receiving.