BUFFALO, N.Y. — Cheryl Reinhardt had the honor of lighting the torch at last year's Ride for Roswell. Her wife Barb Waclawek was by her side.
"She came down and she said, 'I don't know why they picked me but that was the greatest moment of my life,'" Barb recalled.
For 19 years, Cheryl battled ovarian cancer, the same disease that claimed her mother's life at age 48. Cheryl was the same age when she was first diagnosed.
"She was diagnosed 3 years into our relationship and she gave me an out if I wanted it and at that point I said, 'no, we made a commitment.' If she was determined to fight, I was determined to fight with her. Whatever it took," said Barb.
For all Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center did for Cheryl, she and Barb teamed up to give back through the Ride for Roswell.
"When we started our own little team, it was just me and her and we called it Fran's Angels because of her mom passing away," said Barb.
That little team had a lofty goal: $250,000 - the cost of Cheryl's medical bills - is what Barb wanted to raise.
"I seriously started fundraising as much as I could and it's just about asking people for some money because the only way we can fix this or cure this or make it better for someone else is to raise money," said Barb.
And together, Barb and Cheryl and their team did reach that goal. All of that money goes back to Roswell to fund cancer research and treatment and hopefully one day, a cure.
"Cheryl always said, 'maybe it won't save me, but maybe I can help somebody behind me,'" said Barb.
On March 12, 2023, cancer sadly did claim Cheryl's life. But even during the toughest of times, she had a positive attitude.
"I always say cancer isn't the worst thing that could happen to you. Actually, I think it's the best thing because it changed me. It made me a better person," Cheryl said in an interview with Channel 2 News before last year's torch lighting and ride.
As Barb prepares for this year's ride, she knows all the miles she cycles will be the easy part. The heartache of doing her first ride without Cheryl is what will be most painful.
"I have to do it to carry on the legacy. It'll be tough, but on the whole I'll know the more money I can raise the better it'll be for others."
Barb's next goal is to raise another $250,000 in the next 10 years. She says Cheryl's passing is not the end, but just the beginning of her fight.
To make a donation to Barb Waclawek, Team Fran's Angels, or in memory of Cheryl Reinhardt, click here.
The Ride for Roswell is taking place Saturday, June 24, at the University at Buffalo, with the torch lighting, parade and Peloton ride happening the night before. To learn more about the Ride for Roswell, click here.