Mona Patel has always been up for a challenge. She has run several marathons and climbed some of the highest mountains. But the greatest challenges in her life have been supporting her brother and mom through their battles with cancer.

Mona’s brother, Ramesh, was a track star in high school when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Mona remembers, “What was most remarkable about Ramesh was that he maintained his spirit and sense of humor even when the going got tough.”

Ramesh was eighteen when he decided to participate in a clinical trial. Mona says, “My brother was one of the most courageous people I know. He was not going to give up the fight against cancer and wanted to do everything he could to help find a cure for his disease.” However, his cancer continued to spread and Ramesh later passed away.

Mona returned home from cheering on Lance Armstrong at the Tour de France last summer to find that her mom had been diagnosed with advanced breast cancer and given a 40% chance of survival. Mona says, “While I was in France, my mom became a cycling fan by watching the Tour in hopes that she might see me on the side of the road. My trip was timely because Lance is not only my mom’s cycling hero, but her inspiration.” Mona’s mom tells everyone, “If Lance beat his cancer, I can beat mine.”

“They say lightning never strikes twice, but cancer has affected two members of my family,” Mona says. “We are a testament to the commonality and unpredictability of cancer, how devastating the disease is, and how important it is to find a cure.” Mona is sure that thanks to clinical trials similar to the one Ramesh participated in, her mom will be able to greet her at the finish line of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope™.

As a member of the Tour of Hope Team, Mona will derive her strength from the memory of her brother and the courage of her mother. Mona says, “My ultimate goal is to inspire others to join me in supporting this critical cause and be part of the catalyst that brings us one day closer to the cure.”