Ronnie Renick: Challenge Participant Profile

Finding ways to remember loved ones is often a very personal endeavor. Participating in the Mamma Jamma Challenge and fundraising for her local breast cancer community helps Ronnie Renick keep her mother’s precious memories alive and supports people in their ongoing cancer fights.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a 35-year-old mom to a five-year-old ball of energy. My family and I moved to Austin from Houston in 2017 and live in the Clarksville area of old West Austin. I am a member of the Capital Area Master Naturalists and enjoy native plants, hiking, camping, and birdwatching. 

Who or what inspired you to participate in the Mamma Jamma Challenge this year? 

My wonderful experience doing my first Mamma Jamma ride last year inspired me to do it again this year. I lost my mom to breast cancer in 2018, so I signed up for the 2019 ride to help work through my grief in a tangible way that benefited myself and others. I had never participated in a ride like this before and did not know what to expect, but I found ride day to be amazing, cathartic, and inspiring. There’s nothing like riding down those hills after fighting your way up them!

Tell us about your fundraising experience for the Mamma Jamma Challenge? What are your tips for success? 

My experience with fundraising has been very positive. I use Facebook and Instagram the most and have found that asking people directly always yields results. The recurring donations option is great and helps people give over a longer period of time. Since I do this ride in memory of my mom, I make a point to ask on certain days like Mother’s Day and her birthday. This gives me a way to keep her memory alive on these days while also helping people still fighting the battle. 

What are some of the activities you will be tracking in this year's Mamma Jamma Challenge? What are your favorite ways to move to beat breast cancer? 

I will be riding my 25 miles over a couple of days during the challenge. Hiking is my favorite way to move to beat breast cancer. It keeps me active, and I get to stop and pause along the way to examine a plant or birdwatch.

How have the beneficiaries supported through the Mamma Jamma Challenge helped you or someone you care about personally?  

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was a huge deal for my mom after her initial diagnosis.  It gave her something to look forward to and work towards, and it also gave her a chance to bring all her supporters together to help her reach the finish line. Getting to cross the survivor’s finish line at the first walk after her treatments and surgeries was such a milestone moment for her and me.

Do you have a favorite Mamma Jamma Challenge beneficiary and why? 

I love Sustainable Food Center and everything thing they do to help people in our community have access to local, healthy food options. I was an adult when my mom was diagnosed, but I have friends currently in treatment who have small children and the work that Wonders & Worries does is so incredible and crucial for families dealing with a difficult diagnosis.

What would you say to someone undecided about registering for the Mamma Jamma Challenge? 

Give it a shot! I was so nervous about my first ride, especially since I rode alone, but I am hooked now and can’t wait to sign up for next year! The support I got along the ride from strangers and volunteers was amazing and helped me keep moving forward. This year, with the option to move in many different ways, it opens the challenge up for anyone to participate in a way that is comfortable for them.

Ezra Rodriguez, Communications Intern

Ronnie Renick