Cory Laurel: Participant Profile
Spurred on by a loss in the formative years of childhood, Cory Laurel rides and fundraises for Mamma Jamma to remember who she lost and honor the friends and survivors around her today.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a native Texan born in Houston. I did a little tour of San Antonio, but was raised mostly in McAllen, Texas. I have a BA in Molecular Biology from UT Austin. I have lived in Austin for over 25 years and absolutely love it. I work in real estate, currently at Moreland Properties, and have a deep understanding of the city and how it has changed and evolved into one of the most popular and economically diverse cities in the country. I have a loving wife named Lydia and we enjoy walking our two dogs, Enzo and Daniel, around Lady Bird Lake Trail and going to San Miguel de Allende for holidays abroad.
Who or what inspires you to participate in Mamma Jamma every year?
My inspiration for participating in Mamma Jamma is my childhood friend, Marissa Marez, and her mother, Rose. Marissa and I were neighbors in junior high and high school. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when Marissa and I were in sixth grade. The cancer was very aggressive, so Rose had a double mastectomy as well as chemo and radiation. The cancer subsided but not for long. Rose passed away when we were in seventh grade. Marissa and I are still the best of friends today, 40 years later. I ride for Marissa and the memory of her mother and for Marissa’s kids, my dear friend Fayruz Benyousef, a survivor, Natasha Harper-Madison, my Leadership Austin classmate and survivor, and the countless other breast cancer victims, survivors, and families.
What is your favorite memory from your experience as a volunteer or rider with Mamma Jamma?
My favorite memory is from riding with my friend Wendy Smith. Wendy is a Weekend Warrior like me. Neither of us train for these rides, we just jump on the bike and go for it. We were on the last ten miles or so of the 2019 ride and Wendy was absolutely dying. I was getting a little worried and I could tell she was, too, because she was looking at me like, “Why aren’t you feeling this way?” We finally pulled over and she said, “Something is wrong with my bike.” We did an inspection and, sure enough, the brake pad was being pinched. She was essentially riding with the brakes on for a long time. We released the brake pad, and she went flying. Adios, Wendy! She waited for me in the end and we crossed the finish line together hand-in-hand.
Tell us about your fundraising experience for Mamma Jamma. What are your tips for success?
I like to set up my Facebook page and have a handy link to it. Then, I text people with a personal message and tell them why I am asking them to donate. Next, I send them the link with the page. I don’t send bulk messages because it usually doesn’t work out well and doesn’t have a high ROI (return on investment).
I also recommend posting live stories and livestream on social media like Instagram. I received a donation from someone I never would have asked or expected to be a donor, but because his mother was a survivor and he saw a livestream on Instagram about me doing the ride, he gave me a huge donation and was very supportive about this cause. So, social media, social media, social media. Make it fun and be bold!
Do you have a favorite Mamma Jamma beneficiary and why?
My favorite is Wonders & Worries because they would have been a great resource for my friend Marissa if we were living in Austin during the time her mother passed away. They provide support for children and teenagers during a parent’s illness.
What would you say to someone undecided about getting involved with the annual Mamma Jamma ride?
I would encourage anyone considering doing the Mamma Jamma ride to do it without question. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer. The ride is fun, well- organized, and well-supported by a great board and staff. It is a great way to meet new friends while supporting a worthy cause. I can’t wait for 2021!
Ezra Rodriguez, Communications Intern