Community Corner

Cancer Survivor Rides for Charity

The Massachusetts resident credits her husband and daughter for her inspiration and success. Sponsored by Grape-Nuts.

About this sponsorship: In honor of the 60th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary's historic ascent of Mount Everest, Patch and Grape-Nuts are teaming up to highlight those who inspire people around them to climb their own mountains.

Gina Utegg has experienced her share of challenges, but they seem to only make her stronger and more determined. In a 2001 motor vehicle crash, she sustained a serious brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, and had to relearn many life skills that most people take for granted.

In 2009, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and endured surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Here, Utegg openly talks about the obstacles she has faced and what inspired her to overcome them.

Find out what's happening in Dover-Sherbornwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

1. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve taken on?

The biggest challenge in my life is being a good wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. That may seem like a simple goal, but I am a survivor of multiple life-threatening events and it is not always easy to do things like I did before injury, disability and cancer. The important people in my life are my main focus and they keep me focused. Our family also believes in giving back, and we have hope for the future. As part of this challenge, we train and fundraise for charities that have been critical to helping the cancer and disability communities which I am a member of. I ride a recumbent bike (due to spinal cord injury) to raise money and awareness for many charities, such as World T.E.A.M. Sports, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Livestrong, the Pan Mass Challenge and more.

Find out what's happening in Dover-Sherbornwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

2. What inspired you to take on this challenge?

I sustained serious injuries in 2001, as I was a victim of a life-altering motor vehicle crash. This incident left me with injuries from head to toe and placed me into a new category called disabled. I was fortunate enough to relearn some key life skills (walking, talking, riding adaptive bikes and being). In 2009, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Through these medical life tests, I became even more determined to advocate, be a spokesperson and role model, and try to help raise money and awareness for great charities that help so many people. My inspiration is and always has been my family and all the friends that I have met and/or lost on my own journey. I ride my recumbent with passion, purpose and with the thoughts and memories of so many with me. They inspire me to try my best.

3. Did you succeed?

To succeed in what I do, I am honest, true to myself and my beliefs, and put myself out there so people can understand what it is like to be a survivor. I have good days and bad days just like everyone else, and I make the best of what I have. I do not want people to feel sorry for me for being disabled or living with cancer. I would much rather just talk and demonstrate the positive aspects of life-altering experiences. In my travels and charity events, I meet so many inspirational and lovely people. That is a large part of how I stay motivated. The single most important reason for my success is I have a great husband and daughter (and family) who love me so much and who encourage me to want to live life to the fullest. We have been through a lot and I had to start my life over again. The bottom line is that I am alive and we will continue to navigate through adversity. That is success to us. Hopefully we can help other people through life's challenges too.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Dover-Sherborn