Gina saw first hand the benefit of cancer research.

August 16, 2017, the day Gina’s life was forever changed. At a young 31 years old, she was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Cancer. She was unsure of what to do or what questions to even ask. Fortunately it was caught early.

Gina found the silver lining in her journey when she was asked to participate in a cancer research study here at the University of Wisconsin. Knowing that by participating in the study she was helping future thyroid cancer patients gave her the strength and joy she needed during a challenging time.

Seeing first hand how important the cancer research is and directly benefitting from it she wanted to help ensure she did her part to make sure more patients turn into survivors. And that’s where Badger Challenge comes in. She participated for the first time in 2019 and what started as a single bike ride benefitting cancer research, quickly turned into a passion for her – and a way to recover physically and mentally. Since then, Gina has participated every year and has become an avid cyclist. She continues to ride each year to honor her fellow cancer survivors and to remember those who have passed.

Your fundraising efforts can help patients like Gina turn into survivors. Use your fundraising link below to connect with your network and see if they can help you power cancer research right here in our community.