Cathy Ellis's Ride

I am so excited to be riding in my 5th PMC as a proud member of Team Kermit, which was formed in memory of Jared Branfman, who bravely fought brain and spinal tumors for 2 ½ years. 100% of the money raised by Team Kermit goes through the PMC and into the “Jared Branfman Sunflowers for Life Fund for Pediatric Brain and Spinal Cancer Research.” Last year, your donations helped Team Kermit raise nearly $376,000 to fund critical research focused on the genetic underpinnings of brain and spinal tumors and how they progress to advanced forms of disease.

Dana-Farber is home to the only dedicated pediatric low-grade glioma program in the world, and the physician-scientists there are developing groundbreaking scientific studies and providing world-class clinical care for patients with pediatric brain tumors. Their findings are driving the development of novel, more strategic therapeutic approaches for patients. Your donations directly impact the outcomes for kids with cancer. Unfortunately, federal funding for this type of life saving scientific research is being drastically cut. It is now more important than ever that you join me in supporting this cause.

I can't develop the new drug that cures cancer, but I can certainly pedal a bike. No parent should lose a child to this disease, no child should be without their mom or dad. I am so very grateful for your past support of my efforts and look forward to welcoming you along for this year's 182 mile journey from Sturbridge to P-Town. As in years past, I ride to honor the memory of my dad, as well as that of my college roommates, Persis Gleason Elkins and Patricia Huse McVeigh. Both of these women were wonderful partners, moms, and tireless advocates for children and families. They are dearly missed. I also ride in honor of my VT friend and fellow PMCer who is now cancer free as the result of the care he received through Dana Farber, as well as our Vermont neighbor. My thoughts will be with her and her family every mile of the way to Provincetown.

I have made a personal commitment to ride and raise $4,800. I hope you will join me by donating to my PMC ride.

My Links

Team Kermit

Steven Branfman