Cycling for Scholarships: An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Katherine Jeter

Today's Wound Clinic spoke with Dr. Katherine Jeter, who is about to embark on a 3,100 mile cross-country bicycling trip to raise awareness and money for the Wound Ostomy & Continence Nurses Foundation. TWC asked her to describe the project and her goals for this inspiring journey.

TWC (Today’s Wound Clinic): Describe the project that you are involved with and the mission, goals, and organizations involved:
Dr. Katherine Jeter (DKJ): When I decided to cycle across America I wanted to make the journey a fundraiser. I believe it is vitally important to pay it forward and give back. I have loved my association with the WOCN since I was present at its chartering as NAAET in 1969. In June 2010, I learned of the need for scholarships for nurses to go into this specialty and the concern that many members of WOCN are approaching retirement age and will need successors to maintain expert and compassionate care for patients with ostomies, chronic wounds, and issues with bowel and bladder control. It was a magic moment to put my desire and the organization's needs together.

TWC: How have you been preparing the great physical challenge that is ahead of you?
DKJ: Skiing is very important to me and, at age 72, I don't know how many ski seasons I have left in my future, so I was not willing to give up a ski season to train on the roads in SC [South Carolina], which is our home. I have skied nearly every day since December 5. Most days I ski in the morning and then come home and ride my bicycle trainer for 1 to 1-3/4 hours. I have a devoted coach at home who sends me weekly training schedules all based on heart rate. I decided not to have any alcoholic beverages until after the ride is over, so I began to drink only nonalcoholic drinks on Jan. 1, 2011. I try to eat a very healthy diet. I have lost a little weight this winter and will begin the ride at 118 pounds. I am 5'1" tall, so this is a good weight.

TWC: How long have you been cycling?
DKJ: I began cycling in 2007 to prepare for a celebration of my 70th birthday. I set a goal to ride 70 miles on my 70th birthday to raise $70,000 to two of my favorite charities. With the help of lots of friends we raised $98,833 for the two organizations.

TWC: What do you enjoy about bicycling?
DKJ: I love cycling. I love the vistas, the wind in my face, the physical exertion, the challenge of going farther and climbing better than I did the last time. I love the social aspect of riding and being with other fit and fun people. I love the aromas of the outdoors. I love being at ground level and being able to wave and chat with folks along the way. I love how I feel when I finish - healthy, competent, and confident.

TWC: How will you stay motivated during the cross-country trek?
DKJ: I'm riding with a close friend, with whom I went to graduate school in the '70s. She and I encourage each other. I believe this is a God-given mission and I will rely on two scripture verses, which are on my helmet: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength," and "...I am surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who will help me run, with perseverance, the race marked out for us." I have been planning this trip for over a year. I intend for it to be highly successful on all fronts. I'm determined to enjoy every mile and equally as dedicated to reaching the goal of $200,000 for WOCN's Scholarship Fund.

TWC: What is your role/affiliation with WOCN?
DKJ: I was among the first 21 members. I have been retired from the specialty since 1995. I am devoted to the WOCN and the fine work done by its members.

TWC: How did you come up with the idea for this project?
DKJ: Oprah Winfrey inspired me years ago by saying that we don't have to give big to be big givers. She gave every member of her audience $100 and told them to go out and grow it and do something big with it. I am fortunate that it is easy for me to write a check for $100 to a favorite charity, but I could not imagine what I would have done if I had been in that audience. I stewed about it for weeks. That was the genesis for my 70th birthday fundraiser and the impetus for this fundraiser. Oprah Winfrey is my role model for creative generosity.

TWC: What are your goals for this project?
DKJ: To savor every minute of the 59 days, to meet lots of angels on the road, to become stronger and more vigorous every day, to encourage other people my age to become fit and dream dreams, to see unimaginable sights, to share fun and fellowship with my dear friend Marge and the other cyclists, and to raise $200,000 for the WOCN Scholarship Fund.

TWC: How do you hope to raise awareness for the project?
DKJ: I am blessed to live in several locales and interact with lots of people. I keep the e-mails going; I use Facebook, and my husband is my best press agent! WOCN's PR department has been enormously helpful and has reached out far beyond my own limited scope. See the wonderful newspaper article published in January in Spartanburg, SC, our permanent home. The reporter did a fabulous job of encapsulating this project.
https://www.goupstate.com/article/20110125/ARTICLES/101251008

TWC: How can people help you fulfill your goal?
DKJ: I covet contributions to the WOCN Scholarship Fund. There are two ways to donate: https://www.wocnfoundation.org to learn more and to contribute; https://www.wocnadoptastop.com to sponsor one or several of the stops along the way. No amount of support is too small! I covet prayers for (1) safety for the 17 cyclists; (2) no head winds; (3) no rain; (4) no flat tires!

TWC: How can someone get more information on this project?
DKJ: The links above, my Facebook page, and WOCN Cycling for Scholarships on Facebook.

TWC: Is there anything else you would like to add?
DKJ: As I said in the newspaper article: “I think the most important thing is that each of us needs to stretch every day — to stretch our confidence, to stretch our generosity, to stretch our outreach, to stretch our influence. I think ... what's so important is the importance of living to the fullest and giving the most that you can possibly give.” I think it is imperative that we all stretch ourselves. I hope to always be an encourager.