Dear Mr. and Mrs. Morgenstern,

I feel like I know you even though we’ve never met. I met Nancy last summer (’00) when I began bike racing. Somehow we connected and always laughed together after races about how hard the hills were. I have such fond memories of all my interactions with Nancy. She had such a bright, joyful spirit and a love of life.

Nancy was a wonderfully thoughtful person. She knew I was looking for a women’s cycling team to race with this season and heard a group of women were interested in having me on the team. After a race Nancy ran all the way across the parking lot yelling my name because she wanted to tell me she thought I would be happier joining another group because, “Laura, you’re nice and deserve a great group to ride with. I want to see you happy on a team.” I so appreciated Nancy watching out for me and taking the time and effort just to share her thoughts for my sake.

The last time I saw Nancy she asked me if there was anything she could do for me while I prepared for a race. Always looking out for a friend!

I just really loved Nancy. She was a beautiful young woman. Please know she touched many lives and she will not be forgotten.

With Love,
Laura Stahl Schmidt
Syracuse, New York