Welcome to Rory's Page!

 Why I Ride

Cancer may be at the forefront of the Tour de Pier, but the people that it affects are at the heart of the event. Patients, caregivers, family members and friends: we are at the core. It is by the grace of God that we can join forces and ride against cancer and for a cure.

Cancer is limited.

It cannot cripple love.

My husband, Kory, and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary (July 29, 2011) at UCLA medical center. He was experiencing headaches and was off balance. A few days later the diagnosis of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) was handed to my 41 year old husband and father of our three children.

It cannot shatter hope.

It cannot corrode faith.

The median survival rate of patients diagnosed with GBM is about 14 months. Kory continued to battle against his death sentence for 22 months. He had a positive spirit, never losing hope with each treatment and therapy he was given.

It cannot eat away peace.

It cannot destroy confidence. 

It cannot kill friendship.

Kory was an inspiration to many. From his kind demeanor to his outgoing spirit, people were drawn to him, and he was always there to lend a helping hand.

It cannot shut out memories.

It cannot silence courage.

Kory and I were not strangers to cancer. Our son Dylan was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at 10 months old. Kory’s Uncle, Ray, battled liver cancer. My grandmother, Edna, survived breast cancer. Kory’s grandmother, Peggy, and my grandfather, Sy, both lost their fight with leukemia. Finally, my father, Mike, was diagnosed six months prior to Kory with colon cancer. All of these family members paved the path of courage, strength and love that we traveled. 

It cannot invade the soul.

It cannot reduce eternal life.

Kory passed away peacefully on May 18th, 2013. He was 43 years old. He was not afraid to die. He knew that we would one day be reunited but was desperately sad to leave his young family. 

It cannot quench the spirit.

I am riding the Tour de Pier for Kory and for all who have been touched by cancer. Our spirit is strong and together we can make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families.