Ray Wilson’s life changed on July 2, 2020. He had never been a stranger to cancer. Family, friends and co-workers have all fought the disease, and Wilson, an NC State University graduate, was in school when Jim Valvano was fighting his cancer battle. But on that day, he was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer.
Luckily, his team of doctors at Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center are confident in a treatment plan.
“My team laid out my clinical treatment path forward immediately,” said Wilson. “It will take eight to 10 months and include a clinical trial. They believe that I can eradicate the disease, and I’ve already begun treatment.”
Joining the Victory Ride to Cure Cancer presented by Braswell Family Farms was a no-brainer for Wilson. He enjoys cycling, loved Jim Valvano in his time at NC State, is being treated by the team at one of our mission partners and just celebrated his 50th birthday this month. And while the ride looks a little different this year, the logistics will work well for Wilson.
“Normally, I would look forward to ride day, but this reimagined Victory Ride will actually work out for me this year,” he said. “I just started treatments, so it will allow me flexibility to ride at my own pace.”
Hopefully, knowing people like Wilson are hopping on their bike in between cancer treatments can be wonderful motivation to all of our other riders to get on their bikes and continue pushing for more dollars to support more critical research.
For Wilson, it’s about something much bigger than just him.
“Obviously, I hope we find cures; but short term, I hope more people understand colorectal cancer, and we can continue to advocate for earlier prevention,” he said.
Every mile biked and every dollar raised will continue to bring more awareness, raise more dollars for critical research and move use closer to Victory Over Cancer®.