While the Victory Ride to Cure Cancer may look a little different in 2020, the riders participating are as passionate as ever about supporting cancer research. Take Jordan DuVall, who in a nine-month span saw both of his parents diagnosed with cancer.
In May 2019, his father was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Thankfully, his treatments were successful.
“He nearly lost his life before he was able to start treatment, because it was numerous weeks before he got the final diagnosis needed for treatment to begin,” said DuVall. Once treatment began, however, he was cured of his non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and the follicular lymphoma became dormant.
Just as their lives began to seem normal again, his mother was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic NET cancer in January 2020.
Unfortunately, just over a month later, she passed away.
“Mom was only 55 years old, and to be honest, we are still in shock by how quickly her death came,” said DuVall. “It has been a rough ride, one that I would never wish on anyone to endure.”
As an avid cyclist, DuVall knew the Victory Ride was a great opportunity to raise money for research, tell his Mom’s story and bring awareness to this disease. The training and fundraising have given him a positive outlet to express his grief.
The fundraising strategy has been pretty simple. “I’ve been pouring a lot of energy into training; and my Mom touched many lives, and many people loved her,” said DuVall. “With these two things coupled together, I’ve just presented the story as to why I’m doing it, and many friends and family have been compelled to donate.”
With every mile, DuVall rides in honor of his father, in memory of his mother, and in hopes that more dollars raised will lead us to Victory Over Cancer®.