Cheryl Parra: Rider Profile

The kindness of others can be life changing to those impacted by breast cancer. Texas Mamma Jamma Ride has created a community of kindness that is changing countless lives. Cheryl Parra joined the Texas Mamma Jamma family to help others access the resources that helped her during her own battle with breast cancer.

Cheryl and Ro Parra

Why do you ride and fundraise for the Texas Mamma Jamma ride?

I was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer in 2011 – 2012.  I began running prior to my diagnosis as a way to stay fit and continued running during treatment (when possible) to have something to focus on other than cancer.  Unfortunately, I had to give up on running due to a torn ACL, so I decided to try cycling and signed up for my first Mamma Jamma ride in 2015.  I felt this was a way I could maintain fitness but more importantly, be able to “give back” by raising money to help other patients who were fighting breast cancer.  I was fortunate enough to have good medical insurance, an expert medical team and strong support of family and friends during my diagnosis and treatment, but many do not have access to these resources. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up in Lexington Park, MD and worked as a medical technologist (mostly microbiology) for 5 years.  I then went to medical school at West Virginia University, graduating in 1991. I worked as a pathologist at CPL in Austin for about 10 years and then retired to spend more time with my family.  I married my high school sweetheart, Rosendo in 1988.  We moved to Austin in 1996 and he worked as an executive at Dell.  We have 4 daughters aged 20, 23, 26 and 28.  The 3 oldest live and work in Austin and the youngest is a junior at UGA.  In addition to cycling, I also enjoy traveling, fostering puppies for Austin Pets Alive, snow skiing, hiking, reading, painting and vegetable gardening

Tell us a little bit about your experiences riding and fundraising for Mamma Jamma.

At my first training ride, the other riders, staff and board members were warm and welcoming, and I immediately felt comfortable.  After a few years of participating in the ride, I joined the board where I served as secretary for the last 2 years.  I had the honor of working with Marion Martin, our executive director, whose goal was to take Texas Mamma Jamma to the next level.  Many changes and improvements were made to make Mamma Jamma a first-class ride experience.  I am excited to see continued growth in ridership and fundraising as we head into our 2020 ride and beyond.

What is your favorite beneficiary of the ride and why?

My favorite beneficiary is Capital of Texas Team Survivor.  Coming from a medical background, I have always believed that exercise, overall fitness, mindfulness and diet are key to a healthy life.  Team Survivor is composed of women who have experienced a cancer diagnosis and support each other through exercise and wellness activities.  Not only are women able to enjoy the health benefits of exercising, but they are able to be a part of a supportive community that understands what they are going through.  It “takes a village” to get through cancer treatment and Team Survivor can be an integral part of that village.

By Sabina Conditt, Communications Intern