For Kristin, the Tour de Pier is more than just a cycling event; it’s a tribute to her aunt and a meaningful way to drive progress toward a cancer cure.
Kristin, an ophthalmologist and long-time South Bay resident, has been riding in the Tour de Pier since its very first year. After losing her beloved Aunt Barbara to pancreatic cancer in 2010, she enlisted the help of her mother and sister to create their team, Barbara’s Bikers. Kristin says, “Barbara was the most selfless, generous, sweet, warm and loving mother, sister, grandmother, daughter.” Kristin and her family wanted to ride and raise funds for Barbara and the other family members they had tragically lost to pancreatic cancer.
“Pancreatic cancer has touched my family in so many ways,” Kristin shares. “When I hear about another diagnosis, I get angry – but I channel that anger into action, into fundraising, into riding for a cure.”
With her mother’s heartfelt emails rallying friends and family, Barbara’s Bikers has grown into a powerful force for good, raising crucial funds for research and support. For Kristin, the Tour de Pier “is a wonderful way to get together, to be outside, to do something healthy, but something so important for all of our lives to help cure cancer.” It’s an emotional and inspiring experience, a day filled with laughter, sweat, sometimes tears, and always filled with hope.
Join Kristin and Barbara’s Bikers in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Ride, donate, or support the cause; together we can make a difference.