Gina Soto describes herself as a novice cyclist, reminiscing about some leisurely rides on beach vacations, but never anything too rigorous. Yet, for the past four months, she’s been training up to five days per week in Las Vegas’ 110+ degree heat to prepare for an upcoming 225-mile ride from Denver, Colorado to Topeka, Kansas over three days. Why would a casual rider make such a huge commitment? An easy answer for Gina – to help defeat cancer.
Gina is participating in Bristol Myers Squibb’s Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer (C2C4C) ride, a unique opportunity for Bristol Myers Squibb employees to unite for a 27-day bike ride that covers nearly 3,000 miles as nine teams relay across the country and fundraise in support of the V Foundation. Gina joins her team, Wheels of Fire, not only as an advocate for cancer research, but also as a cancer survivor who continues to live, thrive and challenge herself every day.
“I was motivated to show I had the strength and determination to get through a ride like this. Knowing some of the steps, hurdles and challenges I’ve faced during cancer treatment, I wanted to apply that mentally to this journey as well,” said Gina.