Roman and Laura Skoracki, a married couple who have devoted their adult lives to the global cause against cancer, acknowledge the rigors of the discipline and welcome the respite provided by the annual Pelotonia cycling event, even in a year when the usual mass ride is thwarted by a viral pandemic.
“Working in cancer is hard, and Pelotonia is one place where we can stop, reflect, relate and share the losses and successes of cancer together,” says Laura Skoracki, a physician assistant (PA) in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Ohio State who specializes in caring for patients with head and neck cancer. “I always enjoy the times when everyone is together, whether at the opening events, picking up our registration packets and listening to the keynote speakers, or being at the rest stops or final destination. And the talks from cancer survivors, their families and the guest speakers are truly inspirational.”
“Research particularly can become tedious at times, but Pelotonia is an incredible way to re-energize us and remind us that our efforts are having a direct impact on people’s lives,” adds Roman Skoracki, MD, professor in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Ohio State, where he also directs the Division of Oncologic Plastic Surgery. “Seeing everyone work together and encourage each other during Pelotonia, against the backdrop of the larger goal of finding cures, puts the tedious tasks into a greater context, making them meaningful.”
The Skorackis, who came to Ohio State in 2014 from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, say the thing they like best about their respective roles at the OSUCCC – James is the teamwork that underlies this institution’s science-based patient care.
“I enjoy being part of a multidisciplinary team,” Laura Skoracki says. “From our weekly tumor boards to our constant collaboration with other services, we are well armed with the best resources to fight cancer together. I like knowing that my skills are serving our patients to the fullest potential in a team environment that provides the best care possible.”
“The atmosphere of caring is palpable,” Dr. Skoracki adds. “Everyone is part of this incredible team whose mission is to improve the lives of every patient. It is a special environment, and I know our patients can feel it as well, making their treatment journey a shared process. This community that places the patient at its center is very special to me.”
His clinical focus is on reconstruction for cancer patients, particularly microsurgery and surgical treatment for lymphedema, an often painful and mobility-limiting swelling in the arms, legs, hands, feet, genitalia or head and neck that can occur when lymph nodes are removed as part of cancer treatment. He is one of only a few surgeons in the country who can perform two microvascular surgical treatments to relieve lymphedema symptoms by rerouting lymphatic channels to allow proper fluid drainage, or re-introducing lymph nodes to the affected region.
Dr. Skoracki’s research involves clinical outcomes of breast, sarcoma, and head and neck cancer reconstruction, as well as the pathophysiology and surgical treatment of lymphedema. “My clinical work and research are intertwined with a focus on improving quality of life,” he explains.
As a PA in surgical reconstruction and cancer care, Laura Skoracki enjoys “helping our patients understand the disease process and the different treatment options available, as well as assisting them to the best of my ability in the operating room.” She notes that the OSUCCC – James “offers cutting-edge treatment, including clinical trials and targeted immunotherapy. As a high-volume center for cancer, we can fine-tune our surgical and radiation treatments so that they’re always improving. And our multidisciplinary tumor board meets weekly to discuss the best options for patients with advanced disease or recurrence.”
Dr. Skoracki first rode in Pelotonia in 2015, choosing a 100-mile route, and he has ridden in every Pelotonia event held since then. He inspired Laura to ride in 2016, when she and a neighbor who was a James patient rode 25 miles.
“It was such an amazing experience that we (she and her neighbor) increased our range to 45 miles in 2017 and 2018,” Laura says, adding that she couldn’t ride in 2019 due to a conflict with their children’s events (they have sons ages 15 and 13). The Skorackis were planning to ride this year along with their elder son, who would’ve made his inaugural ride had the event not been canceled. The couple plan to resume riding next year and hope the four of them can someday participate in the full-scale Pelotonia ride as a family.
For their 2020 My Pelotonia experience, the Skorackisplanned to cycle as a family to John Bryan State Park near Yellow Springs, Ohio, with another family, camp overnight and return to Columbus — sharing the Pelotonia message along their route and wherever they stopped. They point out that their sons are skilled cyclists who have completed outings of up to 50 miles.
The Skorackis find all Pelotonia-related events inspiring and encourage anyone who is hesitant about joining the movement to give it a try. “Anyone who’s interested in riding but has anxiety about getting started should find a friend who is interested and do it together,” Laura says. “To go 25-45 miles, you do not need a fancy bike or other equipment. And when you see the community come together and the supporters along the routes, you’ll be overwhelmed by the care and support we all have for each other."