Name: Mairead Ryan
Age: 26
Hometown: Bellmore, New York
Occupation: Pediatric oncology nurse
Reason for Cycling: I cycle for those who have been diagnosed before me, those fighting now and those yet to be diagnosed!
I am a childhood cancer survivor and, recently, was diagnosed with metastatic stage IV breast cancer. I’ve had to take a leave of absence from work to focus on treatment, which is probably the hardest thing I struggle with because my job brings me purpose and passion in life. Also, it’s hard to be so young with this illness. Usually patients are diagnosed with this disease when they are older.
Back in 2020, I cycled on my Peloton twice a day and lost 50 pounds. The Peloton community helped motivate me to stay competitive with myself, but also gave me the grace to be on my own timeline.
Now, as part of my cancer fight, I participate in Cycle for Survival, the official rare cancer fundraiser of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Their signature fundraising event is a four-hour team relay with four to eight riders on each bike. The events are held at Equinox gyms because they were a founding partner of Cycle for Survival. Their instructors lead the rides, nationwide, in January, February, and March.
One hundred percent of all donations support rare cancer research, and the organization has raised more than $376 million since it began in 2007. It is one of my favorite events. I participated in my first Cycle for Survival in April 2023, originally getting involved with my work unit to raise funds for kids getting treatment for rare cancers.
Now that I’m a patient again, the event has new meaning for me. I cycle for those before me, in treatment with me, and for those who are yet to be treated. It means the absolute world to have the entire cycle community cheering me on and raising funds for programs that can directly affect me. I have raised more than $3,000.
Hearing the roar of the crowd and the support of the people at Cycle for Survival is one of the most inspiring experiences. It reminds me of why I ride. No matter what pain I’m going through during the ride, someone else is also out there fighting a similar battle with cancer.
Cycle for Survival and using the Peloton has given me back so much of the confidence that I lost when I was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. Cycle for Survival also gave me the opportunity to see the best of humanity and brought out the fun.
I recently finished chemotherapy, and now I receive immunotherapy. The Peloton restores my confidence and gets me back into shape at my own pace as it feels right for me.
Cancer has taken so much from me—my physical strength, my ability to work, my hair, the life I’d like to live as a 26-year-old—but it can’t take my fight. I have to beat this thing.
These tips have made my cycling journey a success:
1. Don’t use headphones
Or only put one in! This will allow you to take in the crowd or nature, and it will instill gratitude into your practice because you will be aware of people and your surroundings.
2. Wear leggings
Shorts can ride up during your ride and become annoying. I always recommend leggings to make sure you’re comfortable!
3. Wear mid-calf socks
I recommend wearing socks that are a higher. This helps to prevent blisters when riding!
Mairead’s Must-Have Gear
→ Lululemon Align leggings: These provide good coverage for my waist. They also feel like butter, making movement seamless and effortless!
→ Bala Bangles: These light weights elevate the challenge of training! You can put them on your ankles or wrists.
We want to hear how cycling changed you! Send your story and submit your photos to us via this web form. We’ll pick one each week to highlight on the site.
Emily Shiffer has worked as a writer for over 10 years, covering everything from health and wellness to entertainment and celebrities. She previously was on staff at SUCCESS, Men's Health, and Prevention magazines. Her freelance writing has been featured in Women's Health, Runner's World, PEOPLE, and more. Emily is a graduate of Northwestern University, where she majored in magazine journalism at the Medill School of Journalism and minored in musicology. Currently residing in Charleston, South Carolina, Emily enjoys instructing barre, surfing, and long walks on the beach with her miniature Dachshund, Gertrude.
