Virtual Rider Encourages Participation, However It Feels Right

Connie Kittleson chose a clear, sunny day last August to complete her virtual Audaxity ride. She was riding in part to celebrate finishing breast cancer treatment, but her thoughts that day were mostly not on her own experience.

Instead, she thought about Shelley, her bright-spirited friend who passed away from cancer and whose memory inspired Kittleson to participate in the ride.

When another friend suggested riding in honor of Shelley, Kittleson was in. Raising money for cancer research at MCW, where she had received her own treatment, felt like a perfect way to do something positive for her community. As she rode six miles on her own, remembering Shelley’s optimistic attitude carried her to her own personal finish line that day.

Kittleson felt proud to be part of such a powerful movement, even though she couldn’t attend the official ride. “Even though I was physically by myself, I felt like I was part of a community of people who all cared about the same thing and were all working toward the same goal,” she said, adding that she was blown away by the generosity of her supporters.

Kittleson said she’s endlessly grateful for the exceptional care she received at MCW and for future discoveries made possible by the ride that will help survivors like herself. Research guided her decision-making both as a patient and throughout her career as a physical therapist, so she understands the impact every contribution can make.

“We just can’t take our foot off the pedal when it comes to funding research because everybody benefits. And yes, it’s right here in my community, but science doesn’t stay in your community. What that research shows will be known worldwide, and everybody benefits,” Kittleson said.

“It’s incredible and it’s heartwarming,” she added, “and I’m not going to lie, there’s a lot of Wisconsin pride.”

Register now to ride on Aug. 2.