I'm Riding For

Craig Richards

Three years ago, on July 3rd, my beloved husband began his first of five chemotherapy treatments. Despite his incredible strength and our unwavering hope, he passed away on February 16th, 2025. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer that had spread to his lungs, liver, and lymph nodes. It was a devastating shock, especially since his colonoscopy three years earlier had shown no signs of cancer. The culprit was the KRAS G12D mutation. KRAS is part of the RAS family of genes, which are involved in cell signaling pathways that control cell growth and division. When mutated, KRAS can become permanently activated, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumor growth. The G12D mutation is one of the most common and aggressive KRAS mutations, often associated with a poor prognosis. While KRAS was once considered "undruggable," recent advancements have led to the development of inhibitors for other KRAS mutations, such as G12C. Efforts are now focused on creating effective treatments for G12D and other KRAS mutations. Despite our best efforts, we couldn't find the right treatment for Craig. But through it all, we shared an incredible journey filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. His courage and our bond gave me strength. Thank you for supporting the ongoing research efforts. It means the world to families like ours.