You can let him know that Karen Selby, patient advocate and a registered nurse here in Mesothelioma Center but once she straps on a helmet and jumps on his bike, you better get out of his way.
Karen is a member of the oldest racing team here in Central Florida, Orlando Velo cycling team, founded in 1989. The team competed in races across the southern United States and won championships in many states. Outside the United States, Orlando Velo participated in races in Belgium, Martinique, Trinidad, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
Karen was a member of Orlando Velo for three years before as the only woman in the team. it is now one of two women on a team of 14 cyclists. It is not only there to do either, Karen second place just a few weeks in the women's road race combined with men 50 and older.
Karen began cycling in Baltimore in 1986 because his roommate was in triathlons and decided to give it a shot. She did not know how she would like, so she joined a team in Baltimore.
When she moved to Florida, she was too busy to go, and took a brief hiatus; but cycling has found its way into his life. After a running injury occurred, Karen returned to his bike and found Orlando Velo.
Now she competes almost every weekend and often several races a weekend. Some of these races are purely competitive; some are a turn for charity. As a sponsor of Orlando Velo, Mesothelioma Center hopes to raise awareness of cancer linked to asbestos uncommon. According to Karen, "If nothing else, it certainly raises the conversation."
The sensitization can develop at any time, anywhere. Karen is the proof. In a bike race is the last place you would think a conversation about mesothelioma happen but it does. Fortunately, Karen is open to talk to anyone on the subject and is an advocate for patients who experienced communicates with mesothelioma patients and their families on a daily basis.
What do you think? Are you open to a conversation about mesothelioma with a stranger? How do you sensitize?
