Leah’s and Susan’s Story: We Were Never Alone

Building an army

Leah Keller, currently a nurse practitioner, began her career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in 2014 as a procedure and sedation nurse practitioner in Interventional Radiology.

It was there that she developed an inspiring and unforgettable friendship with one of her patients and became passionate about the Cycle for Survival movement in her honor.

The patient, Lauren, had a rare cancer of the bile ducts called cholangiocarcinoma. She received intensive treatment at MSK for four years, with Leah often by her side.

“She was surrounded by an incredible team of doctors and nurses. We used to joke that she created an army,” said Lauren’s sister, Susan Smith.

“In the face of a devastating diagnosis, grueling chemotherapy, and many procedures, Lauren remained positive and expressed great resolve to help those she would never meet,” said Leah. “She vowed to raise not only awareness but also funding for cholangiocarcinoma research, so those who battle the disease in the future would have more treatment and clinical trial options. Lauren is, and will always be, one of the most influential reasons for my being so passionate about Cycle for Survival.”

Leah has participated in the event for a decade, is a proud member of Team Lauren, and has personally raised nearly $50,000 and counting. Some of the most powerful and moving moments for her are the speeches made at the rides by patients, family members, and researchers whose investigations are supported by Cycle for Survival funds. “It’s in those moments that I can really feel how important Cycle for Survival is and what an impact it has had on so many lives,” said Leah. “There is an indescribable unity.”

There for Emily

“The MSK community is family and is central to who I am. I will never forget the care Lauren received and the people who made sure she, and we, were never alone,” said Susan, who is also a member of Team Lauren. So when Susan’s daughter, Emily Lauren, was diagnosed with Wilms’ tumor (a childhood kidney cancer) just before her second birthday, her parents knew MSK was the only place to go. “I know that every family that comes to MSK gets exceptional care, and the care my child received was truly special,” added Susan.

At the height of the pandemic, Susan's family couldn’t be with them in the hospital, but Lauren’s care team showed up for Emily. Leah even came to MSK Kids, MSK’s pediatric cancer program, on her days off to be with Emily and help the family navigate her care plan. “Lauren’s army showed up for my baby girl, and we never felt alone,” Susan noted.

“This community is magic”

Today, Emily is thriving, is free of cancer, and enjoys nursery school. Both Susan and Leah still participate in Cycle for Survival in memory of Lauren. “You never know when you may need or appreciate the research that Cycle for Survival is funding. If we can help even one patient, then I know MSK is the place I want to support,” said Leah.

“Sometimes I feel alone in my grief, but when I’m surrounded by the MSK Giving community, I feel supported,” Susan concluded. “I know I am never alone. This community is magic.”