Three summers ago, Joan joined her sister in law, Geri Broom Geiger on the Spinning Divas trip I annually plan. Geri has been a friend since freshman year at Cornell. She married Ross Geiger, Joan's brother, whom she met sophomore year.
Joan & Geri have been on three Spinning Divas trips and can now say they've "done" each of the Finger Lakes! Little did I know that first summer, but Joan had just finished 4 years (on & off) of treatment for Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, Stage 4. She was disease free that September '08. Did Joan even mention it that July?? No. Did Joan ever complain? On the contrary. She was a "Spinning Diva" through and through. Her personality and sense of humor kept us all laughing and smiling, even on the hills. From her "biker chick" jersey to all of us "autographing her leg...just for fun", Joan always kept us going!
At the end of this past summers ride, I saw another side of Joan. We were driving to get our cars and she was very quiet, a sign that something was wrong. I learned that she was upset that she wasn't more clear about wanting to be with the group that was going to tackle the hills. I apologized and said I was sorry, I didn't know she wanted to ride with us. She wasn't upset at me, she was angry at herself for not being more vocal about "hitting the hills" as she was a little wishy washy about doing so. I could tell it was an internal struggle with her...can I do it or not? Joan is such a strong person and rider, but she doubted her ability, which I can only assume was a result of having dealt with cancer.
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| JOAN GEIGER - DOW '08 |
I was glad to have seen this side of Joan and get a closer look into how she ticks. The intensity and commitment to her mental as well as physical self during these rides is what I assume helped her get through what she has. She told me that her experience with cancer has made her more compassionate and mindful of how lucky she is to be able to do and enjoy as many things as she can. She is also grateful for all her wonderful supportive friends.
Well, Joan, can I tell you how grateful I am for having met you and having you in my life?? Your intensity, your humor, your beauty, your support has been with me as I prepare for the ride tomorrow. So as I channel Joan during those 100 miles, I know she will be right behind me in her blue jersey, dragonfly splattered on boobs. She told me to "kick ass, girlie!!!" Yes, Joan, I will do my best to kick ass as well as you have with your Lymphoma. And if my doing this race can help with ridding Joan and many of this disease, well than KICK ASS it is!
I'm riding this ride in honor of Joan Geiger-Dow and in memory of my college friend, Marc Brett, who lost his battle. He was diagnosed May '08 with a very rare form of T-Cell lymphoma and passed away from the disease that September. There is an air show going on here in Cocoa Beach today & tomorrow. So, Marc, as the planes roar above me, I know you'll be looking down on me and guiding me along. To both of you. K-
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| Marc was an avid cyclist and yogi...he is a true inspiration. |
