As a 17 year cancer survivor, I give prayers of thanks for my good health, I pray fervently for those fighting the disease, and I remember our angels who blessed our lives with their love. Just 14 months after I completed treatments, I was humbled to complete my first Pan Massachusetts Challenge (PMC) ride in support of cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer (DFCI).

One year later, I dedicated my Day 2 ride to my sister Jean, who had been battling cancer for a year. “TEAM JEAN” included family and close friends in Brewster and along the route, showing her our love with our pink shirts. We all cheered Jean on! One year later, we honored her spirit as tears spilled from our eyes. I continued to wear the Team Jean bike shirt and she always will be in my heart and in my thoughts throughout the tough training and this year’s Aug. 3-4 ride.

We use the line that “cancer has no bias.” When someone hears the words, “YOU HAVE CANCER” the world stops and the mind races. This past December, that all hit home once again when I watched my husband of 31 years hear those words and bear the brunt of their impact. It was heart-wrenching to see Sean’s reactions and know he was going to be entering an arduous battle against pancreatic cancer. We are thankful his double-lung transplant team caught it early given their close monitoring of all organs. However, this battle is highly complicated. Sean is immunosuppressed and in the early stages of lung rejection after 12 years post transplant.

Watching Sean manage the process mentally, emotionally, and spiritually is incredibly inspiring, to say the least. But watching him manage the physical challenges is so painful. He’s a warrior and knows everything about fighting a disease, but this battle is hard, really hard. A horrific cough occurring soon after the 1st treatment developed into pneumonia after the 3rd round. Hospitalized for 8 days, he continued the IV’s from home for another week. With both of those managed, he was able to re-start the bi-weekly treatments and finally able to sleep. This year’s PMC occurs just after Sean is planned to finish his treatments. I dedicate this year’s trek to Sean. Jean has his back from above, I have his back daily, and you all support us. Our hope is that we will celebrate his start to improved health, as he continues his cystic fibrosis/double-lung transplant journey.

I am humbled to be healthy and strong enough to ride the 2-day PMC in support of cancer research at DFCI. So it is with a grateful heart that I implore you to support my 17th ride. Last year you rallied to help me raise $30,574, bringing my total donation amount to $493,320! I can't thank you enough for your on-going support. Your kindness and generosity are powerful tools helping those in need and advancing our collective goal of a world without cancer.

There are far too many warriors struggling with rugged treatment plans, fighting to be survivors, like Sean, and thrive once again. I am deeply grateful for your consideration of a donation of any size to my 2024 PMC ride Aug. 3-4. I am equally thankful for your prayers for a world without cancer…and a world fueled by kindness.

Love & peace...Christine

P.S. If your company MATCHES gifts, please ensure my name and my Rider ID CM0224 are in the notes. Also, please click on the Gallery tab above to see a sample of photos from years past including new uploads from 2023. Rich memories...and a current reality.