The Little Team for a Cure - Tasha's Ride to Conquer Cancer Story
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| The LITTLE Team for a CURE. From left: Patrick Heringslack, Tasha Little, Howard Little. |
"We're all living one life, we're all fighting to live. I feel it matters. I feel I need to contribute however I can. I was lucky and I have a will to live." – Tasha
Tasha Little was 42 years old when she learned she had breast cancer. She had no family history of breast cancer, exercised regularly, maintained a healthy diet, and was active with her two boys. But, she still found herself facing a cancer diagnosis.
“I’ve always believed in preventative care,” says Tasha. “When I learned the lump that showed up on a routine mammogram was breast cancer, I was completely overwhelmed.”
At the time she was diagnosed, she had just gone through a divorce, and found out she had cancer while moving from her home of 13 years following the split.
Fortunately, Tasha had time to research her options. She decided to get her cancer treatment at the Abramson Cancer Center.
“Getting the cancer out of my body was obviously important to me,” she says, “but so was reconstruction. When I met Drs. Tchou and Wu, I knew I was in the right place.”
Tasha was impressed with the way both the surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon collaborated as a team.
“My surgeons had a wonderful relationship with each other, and it made me feel comfortable to know they worked together so well,” she says.
Tasha had unilateral mastectomy (removal of one breast) and reconstruction at Penn. That was just over a year ago, and today, she’s giving back by participating in the inaugural Philadelphia Ride to Conquer Cancer® that benefits the Abramson Cancer Center.
“I heard the radio ads, and since I was an avid cyclist before I was diagnosed, I thought it would be a great way for me to get back in the saddle for a good cause,” says Tasha.
Tasha invited her dad, Howard, and her friend Patrick to join her on the ride. Riding with her dad has been a special experience, because her family had a big part in her recovery.
“I was raising two boys. My mother would take me to the hospital while my dad stayed at home and took care of the boys,” says Tasha. “This whole experience was a family effort, even though it was something I personally dealt with.”
"Parents who know what it is like to have a sick child know that no words can comfort the fear and anxiety and emotions you experience as a parent,” says Howard. “Even with a child in her 40s, it still feels like she’s your little baby and you just want to comfort and protect her. You have to have hope and positivity and know that doctors are doing as much as they can for you."
So far, “The LITTLE Team for a CURE has raised $4,811.00 and plans to meet their goal of $8,000.00 in time for the ride. "If you're an avid rider, it's about what you can do to help. If you've never rode before, it can be done. People are generous and if you're passionate people will support you,” says Tasha.
The Ride to Conquer Cancer®
At two-days and 150+ miles the RTCC will be a physical challenge—and an emotional and inspirational weekend—that will give you a chance to ride side by side with physicians, patients and families--raising serious funds and awareness in the ACC’s fight to cure cancer.
The funds raised through the ride will be put to use immediately, powering the ACC's vision to eradicate cancer as a cause of human disease and suffering through precision medicine, novel research, next-generation therapies, and compassionate care.
Join Today
This event will be remarkable, bringing together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists, and their supporters with a common goal to conquer this disease. Join the ride in October by registering today at www.ridetovictory.org or by calling (844) 777-7433.Before the ride, you will have access to:
- Expert coaching
- Training rides in your area
- Personal web page for fundraising
- Helpful manual
- 2014 ride commemorative item
- Event-day ride jersey
- Support along the route
- Catered meals
- Entertainment at camp
- Massage and medical care
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Ride to Conquer Cancer
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