Summer Cyclist of the Season Nadine Wall
Nadine Wall hasn’t let a cancer diagnosis or two rounds of radiation treatment keep her from her passion – riding the trails around her hometown of Holly Springs, GA. Nadine is Trek’s Summer 2012 Cyclist of the Season and she’s making a difference in the lives of others with her 24 Hours of Booty team. WAM editor, Jennifer Olson, caught up with Nadine between rides.
I’ve been trail riding for 12 years, since 2000. In October 2009, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. It changes your life. It was one of those things I was clueless about.
Check out those pink wheels and grips!
After my initial treatment, the doctors encouraged me, telling me “You’re young.” But the cancer was everywhere. Six months later, it recurred. So I underwent the treatments again. It taught me a lot about loving my family and holding them dear. I learned to cherish those moments more.
Having cancer was a transforming experience. I thought, “I’ve gotta do something (to make a difference).” One day, we were watching the Tour de France. We love the TDF – it’s why we have cable! We saw a jersey with the 24 Hours of Booty logo on it and looked the organization up. 24 Hours of Booty is the official 24-hour cycling event of LIVESTRONG™. I said, “This is is!” and looked at my husband and said “We’re doing that!” I recruited my friend, who is my supporting love, to run our new Atlanta-based 24 Hours of Booty team. Our first year, I completed 122 miles, my first time on a road bike! It was pure awesomeness!
By the next year our team had grown over three times in size and raised just under $20,000. Now as we train and get ready to do it all again, we’ve gotten families and kids involved by hosting a Kids Ride for the Cure this year, sponsored by Road ID, with all the proceeds going to the Aflack Cancer Center and LIVESTRONG™. The team has a lot of fun and I’ve met so many awesome, inspiring people. I ride a decked-out pink Trek. Our team color is green and I wear green knee highs when I ride. I’m kind of silly!
Nadine and her youngest at the kid’s Ride For A Cure
The cancer treatments and tests aren’t hard but you can’t eat certain things and it makes it harder to ride whenever you want because of the way you feel. I ride with a heart rate monitor. It’s very humbling. I met so many people with thyroid cancer and I love encouraging them and making their day brighter. I’ve trust God through all of it and that gives me the most indescribable peace. I can’t be shaken by this cancer. My daughters were freaking out today because my blood work is really off. I’ve learned it’s okay. I ride, go to the doctor, go to work, take care of my kids and if I can squeeze in another ride I do.
Life is hectic, but riding is so freeing. When you get out in the woods, it’s just peaceful. There’s no one else out there. It’s the time when you can get away. I love the racing part of it too. I could ride all day, every day if I was allowed. It’s healthy, always makes you feel good, no matter how bad your mood is when you start. I get done and I have the biggest smile on my face! Cycling is who I am, what I breathe, and keeps me refreshed and strong for my babies and my husband.
I’m here and functioning and it’s harder sometimes. After two radiation treatments, my body doesn’t recover like it did. So racing is harder, but being on the bike in the middle of God’s beauty is just peaceful and, in a way, riding becomes the best medicine out there.
Category: Cycling
She Lives:
My daughter, Nadine, is our families pillar of strength. Nadine radiates our lives with Compassion, Optimism and Love. Love, Dadders
Nadine, thanks for sharing your story! You are awesome.
Congrats Nadine!!!!! If you are free in October we would love to see you at le Tour de Femme in Cary, NC!
I needed to read this. You are awesome Nadine. Just the inspiration I needed to pull out my road bike because of a nagging knee. If you are ever out east of Atlanta riding through Madison come knock on my door. God Bless.
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story, Nadine. From one survivor to another, there can never be enough stories of people who believe and say “I can!”
Makes me proud to be part of Sweet Rides!
As one of Nadine’s friendly competitors at the 24 HOB, I can tell you that she and her entire family are one of the reasons why the ride is so special. The entire event is incredibly well run and organized, as the Booty Staff is top notch, but – beyond that – the event has a very family-like feel to it and Nadine’s clan, and her team, are major reasons for that!
Great article for a fantastic cancer warrior!
Thanks for sharing your story. I found out I had breast cancer in January 2012. I was fortunate that I caught it early but still had to go through six rounds of chemo due to size and other factors. I am happy to say that July 9th was my last treatment and I feel great. I never stopped working out or riding. I rode my bike 40 miles on Saturday and typically ride 10-20 a day. You’re right, it’s freeing. I won’t let cancer get in my way of living life!
Love your attitude! Awesome- ride on!