Semmes Murphey was proud to sponsor this year’s West Fight On event, where Kristen Hughes, PA-C, represented the clinic in the cycling portion of the fundraiser.
Ahead of the event, Kristen shared what inspired her to ride and why supporting people affected by cancer is especially meaningful to her.
What inspired you to participate in West Fight On this year?
"I began doing a lot of cycling over the past year and have become involved in the local Memphis cycling community, which is truly an amazing community full of wonderful people. The local cycling club members stay in pretty constant communication about local events and are great at coming together to support community events like this whenever possible. I love being on my bike and riding - it is such a privilege to be able to ride and to be a part of such a great community. It is an added honor to be able to do it for the benefit of such a great cause. I was extra excited and proud when I saw that SMC was a sponsor for the event, and I’m proud to get to represent us there, even in some small way."
Why did you choose the cycling portion of the event, and what are you most looking forward to about the ride?
"As above, I love riding my bike. That part is a no-brainer. I hope to ride with at least one or two friends, which always makes a ride more enjoyable. I look forward to every ride! I am excited to get to see what the organizers have put together at the start/finish and to be able to spend some time with the other participants."
How have you been preparing for the event? Has training taught you anything about yourself along the way?
"I ride several times a week and am also training for a 105-mile ride at the end of September, so I have been putting in decent mileage each week. My husband and I love to tell our kids that “we do hard things”, and I often think of that when I’m on the bike. Cycling is an interesting sport, I think, because it can be a very individual/solo activity, but most of us love the community and find that rides can be both physically and mentally easier when you’re with a group. I think that’s a great analogy for so much in life- putting in your own time and effort is necessary, but being part of a larger community can carry you a long way when you need the extra hand on your back."
As a healthcare provider, does participating in an event centered around supporting people affected by cancer carry a different meaning for you?
"Absolutely. Throughout my career, I have had the honor of caring for so many patients impacted by cancer, at almost all points along their course of disease/treatment. As providers, we do whatever we can to provide the best and most compassionate care for these patients. It feels like an honor to be able to do something outside of the clinic to benefit these patients in other ways and show them that our commitment doesn’t end when they leave the building. It is also a great reminder of how fortunate I am to be able to do it, when many of them cannot. I also loved learning about all of the services that WCC offers to patients at no cost or with assistance that I hadn’t known about before. It is such a wonderful cause!"
What would you say to someone considering participating in or supporting West Fight On?
"I would encourage them to get involved! I love that they offer so many ways for people to participate, from walking to running or riding multiple distances. There is no reason not to!"
A Shared Commitment to Care
Kristen is an experienced physician assistant who specializes in brain and spine care at Semmes Murphey. For more than 15 years, she has helped care for patients facing complex medical conditions, including many whose lives have been affected by cancer.
Semmes Murphey and West Cancer Center regularly work together in caring for patients and share a commitment to providing world-class healthcare to the community. Kristen’s participation in West Fight On meaningfully reflected that partnership and the compassion healthcare providers carry beyond the clinic.
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