Day 8…Meg this is for you!
On day 8 we rode for Megan Sporny, who just passed in June of this year! She faced a long three year battle with cancer that stripped her of her physical capabilities due to paralysis…Her story is a powerful and emotional story of a young woman who faced an incredibly challenging battle with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). Megan's remarkable journey serves as an inspirational reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of supporting cancer research.
Today was a very difficult ride. We rode over 105 miles and climbed more than 2,600’ of the rolling landscape of southern Ohio and Indiana. That puts our 7 day total at 620 miles and nearly 40,000’ of elevation. However, the data doesn’t tell the whole story…we faced a sneaky elevation day as there were very few hills but an obvious steady eddy incline, which was made worse by the rain, the cold and a 15-20 mph headwind for the entire ride. The entire team of 23 riders were hurting, but we had to ride for Meg! She set the tone with her dedication to Cal’s funded research, fighting cancer, competing at a national level as a runner, learning how to walk 2x during her battle with cancer, and becoming a state champion in a the 100m wheelchair event.
Fun fact…Megan is the only Cal’s Kid to ride with the Cal’s Angels W.A.R. on Wheels when she joined the team on the last day of WOW 1 from Santa Monica, CA to St Charles, IL on her triathlon bike. She popped streamers and confetti on the riders when you returned from University of Iowa in WOW 2. On WOW 3 Megan rolled into St Charles in her new wheelchair to greet the team from Mount Rushmore and for WOW 4 she led the pack into the final destination on her bright yellow handbike.
Megan's battle began in October 2018 when, as a high school freshman and a nationally ranked Cross Country runner, she started experiencing strange sensations in her legs. Despite these early signs, Megan continued to compete in athletics and maintain a positive attitude. However, her health took a sudden turn for the worse when she collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where an MRI revealed a tumor inside her spinal cord. This devastating diagnosis marked the beginning of a long and challenging journey.
Over the next few years, Megan faced numerous treatments, including Proton Radiation and Chemotherapy, as well as extensive physical therapy to regain her ability to run. Her determination and commitment to her passions were unwavering, and in February 2019, she made a triumphant return to the track, racing on the indoor track.
Megan's battle with cancer led to moments of remission, where life returned to a semblance of normalcy. However, in February 2021, her tumor returned, prompting her to seek a phase I clinical trial in Seattle, Washington. This trial, which involved CAR-T treatment administered directly into her brain, offered her the best hope for full remission. Unfortunately, the process was slower than her tumor's growth, leading to additional spinal cord surgery and rehabilitation. Megan's resilience and determination were evident as she learned to adapt to new physical challenges, transitioning from a triathlon bike to a wheelchair and then to a handbike.
Throughout her journey, Megan's focus remained on athletics and her education. Her dreams of running in college and competing in the 2028 Olympics were still very much alive. This young athlete's determination was awe-inspiring. Her love for pushrim racing, a sport that could enable her to participate in the Paralympics, showcased her unyielding spirit.
Megan pushed herself to excel in both her sport and academics, even while undergoing grueling treatments. Her academic achievements and her dedication to pushrim racing were just as remarkable as her resilience in the face of cancer. Megan's determination to excel and compete in the face of adversity painted a vivid picture of her character.
In May 2022, Megan's tumor began growing again, leading to yet another round of Proton Radiation with chemotherapy. This time, Megan's story took a unique turn when her high school's track team held a state sendoff at the school. Megan raced to her radiation appointment, where the school bus picked her up afterward. Her determination and commitment were evident in this extraordinary event.
Megan's fighting spirit and incredible achievements did not go unnoticed. She was recruited to join the University of Illinois Wheelchair Track Team, where she worked hard in physical therapy to regain independence and live on campus. Her swift progress was exceptional, given the circumstances.
During her first semester on campus, Megan attended early morning workouts, enjoyed football games, made friends, and maintained her academic excellence. However, as her tumor continued to spread, she faced an even more demanding schedule of treatments. She traveled to Chicago weekly for medical appointments and began palliative radiation in December 2022.
Megan's doctor, following consultations with an international tumor board, initiated an innovative treatment plan. This plan involved using chemotherapy injected through her Ommaya reservoir from CAR-T therapy to help stabilize the tumor further. Megan's resilience was on full display as she endured inter-cranial infusions twice a week for 12 weeks, alongside oral chemotherapy, even when the latter caused severe ulcers and resulted in a three-week hospital stay.
Throughout her college journey, Megan maintained a perfect academic record, earning straight A's. Her dedication to her education and athletic goals, despite the constant battle with cancer, was nothing short of remarkable.
By the end of April 2023, Megan's health took a severe hit as she experienced breathing problems, leading to her admission to the ICU. Over the next month, she faced a challenging weaning process from a ventilator. Despite her courageous efforts, the tumor's progression ultimately overtook any available treatment options.
Megan Sporny's journey serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Throughout her battle with cancer, she exemplified resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to her dreams. Megan's story is a stark reminder of the urgent need for cancer research to find a cure. Her final days were marked by her thoughtful preparation and detailed instructions, embodying her strength and grace until the end.
In memory of Megan, and to honor her legacy, it is crucial that we continue the fight for cancer research. Megan's journey inspires us to persevere, support those in need, and work tirelessly toward a future where no one has to endure the pain she faced.
Today was a very difficult ride. We rode over 105 miles and climbed more than 2,600’ of the rolling landscape of southern Ohio and Indiana. That puts our 7 day total at 620 miles and nearly 40,000’ of elevation. However, the data doesn’t tell the whole story…we faced a sneaky elevation day as there were very few hills but an obvious steady eddy incline, which was made worse by the rain, the cold and a 15-20 mph headwind for the entire ride. The entire team of 23 riders were hurting, but we had to ride for Meg! She set the tone with her dedication to Cal’s funded research, fighting cancer, competing at a national level as a runner, learning how to walk 2x during her battle with cancer, and becoming a state champion in a the 100m wheelchair event.
Fun fact…Megan is the only Cal’s Kid to ride with the Cal’s Angels W.A.R. on Wheels when she joined the team on the last day of WOW 1 from Santa Monica, CA to St Charles, IL on her triathlon bike. She popped streamers and confetti on the riders when you returned from University of Iowa in WOW 2. On WOW 3 Megan rolled into St Charles in her new wheelchair to greet the team from Mount Rushmore and for WOW 4 she led the pack into the final destination on her bright yellow handbike.
Megan's battle began in October 2018 when, as a high school freshman and a nationally ranked Cross Country runner, she started experiencing strange sensations in her legs. Despite these early signs, Megan continued to compete in athletics and maintain a positive attitude. However, her health took a sudden turn for the worse when she collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where an MRI revealed a tumor inside her spinal cord. This devastating diagnosis marked the beginning of a long and challenging journey.
Over the next few years, Megan faced numerous treatments, including Proton Radiation and Chemotherapy, as well as extensive physical therapy to regain her ability to run. Her determination and commitment to her passions were unwavering, and in February 2019, she made a triumphant return to the track, racing on the indoor track.
Megan's battle with cancer led to moments of remission, where life returned to a semblance of normalcy. However, in February 2021, her tumor returned, prompting her to seek a phase I clinical trial in Seattle, Washington. This trial, which involved CAR-T treatment administered directly into her brain, offered her the best hope for full remission. Unfortunately, the process was slower than her tumor's growth, leading to additional spinal cord surgery and rehabilitation. Megan's resilience and determination were evident as she learned to adapt to new physical challenges, transitioning from a triathlon bike to a wheelchair and then to a handbike.
Throughout her journey, Megan's focus remained on athletics and her education. Her dreams of running in college and competing in the 2028 Olympics were still very much alive. This young athlete's determination was awe-inspiring. Her love for pushrim racing, a sport that could enable her to participate in the Paralympics, showcased her unyielding spirit.
Megan pushed herself to excel in both her sport and academics, even while undergoing grueling treatments. Her academic achievements and her dedication to pushrim racing were just as remarkable as her resilience in the face of cancer. Megan's determination to excel and compete in the face of adversity painted a vivid picture of her character.
In May 2022, Megan's tumor began growing again, leading to yet another round of Proton Radiation with chemotherapy. This time, Megan's story took a unique turn when her high school's track team held a state sendoff at the school. Megan raced to her radiation appointment, where the school bus picked her up afterward. Her determination and commitment were evident in this extraordinary event.
Megan's fighting spirit and incredible achievements did not go unnoticed. She was recruited to join the University of Illinois Wheelchair Track Team, where she worked hard in physical therapy to regain independence and live on campus. Her swift progress was exceptional, given the circumstances.
During her first semester on campus, Megan attended early morning workouts, enjoyed football games, made friends, and maintained her academic excellence. However, as her tumor continued to spread, she faced an even more demanding schedule of treatments. She traveled to Chicago weekly for medical appointments and began palliative radiation in December 2022.
Megan's doctor, following consultations with an international tumor board, initiated an innovative treatment plan. This plan involved using chemotherapy injected through her Ommaya reservoir from CAR-T therapy to help stabilize the tumor further. Megan's resilience was on full display as she endured inter-cranial infusions twice a week for 12 weeks, alongside oral chemotherapy, even when the latter caused severe ulcers and resulted in a three-week hospital stay.
Throughout her college journey, Megan maintained a perfect academic record, earning straight A's. Her dedication to her education and athletic goals, despite the constant battle with cancer, was nothing short of remarkable.
By the end of April 2023, Megan's health took a severe hit as she experienced breathing problems, leading to her admission to the ICU. Over the next month, she faced a challenging weaning process from a ventilator. Despite her courageous efforts, the tumor's progression ultimately overtook any available treatment options.
Megan Sporny's journey serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Throughout her battle with cancer, she exemplified resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to her dreams. Megan's story is a stark reminder of the urgent need for cancer research to find a cure. Her final days were marked by her thoughtful preparation and detailed instructions, embodying her strength and grace until the end.
In memory of Megan, and to honor her legacy, it is crucial that we continue the fight for cancer research. Megan's journey inspires us to persevere, support those in need, and work tirelessly toward a future where no one has to endure the pain she faced.
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