Like so many others, I'm a proud supporter of the PMC because it is leading the charge to beat cancer. In fact, last year 100% of rider-raised revenue went directly to support the Jimmy Fund, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and all the treatments, services and programs it provides.

Personally, I am riding for the 17th year as a member of Team Zakim, formally Team Lenny, the team that supports the therapies, educational programs and research of the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). About twenty years ago, Lenny Zakim, a man who spent his life fighting for justice, equality and the elimination of racism and bigotry was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. During his conventional treatment at DFCI, Lenny discovered the healing powers of integrative care. He found that by participating in an active program of acupuncture, massage therapy, support groups, therapeutic touch, reiki, physical activity, spiritual healing and nutritious eating, he regained a sense of control over his life and empowerment over his illness. Seeing the value that these types of therapies had on his own life, he then did what he had done naturally all of his life, he advocated for the establishment of an integrated therapies program at DFCI. I was honored to co-chair the committee with him that laid the groundwork for this program and to serve as its 1st Executive Director.

The Zakim Center now serves thousands of patients and families through its clinical services. It is a leader nationally and internationally in providing education to professionals, healthcare providers, scientists and the community-at - large. In the Center's infancy, David Rosenthal, then Medical Director of the Center, (now Emeritus) joined forces with his colleagues in integrative medicine to create the Society for Integrative Oncology which is now the premiere collaboration for research into the efficacy of integrative care. In 2019, The Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Care is now the model that all other programs emulate.

In 1999, Lenny Zakim died from his illness but not before the fight of his life in which he employed all modalies — conventional and complementary care. His treatment did not cure his body but it healed his soul — words he used to say. Lenny died before his Center opened, but he knew it would. The beautiful cable Leonard P. Zakim/Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, over the Charles River, connects Boston with Charlestown. Its construction was a historic event and a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life building bridges.  People think that was his first legacy. In fact it was his second. The Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies, and Healthy Living, the bridge that connects Western and Eastern Medicine was his first. This Center continues the dream of Lenny's life — to improve the quality of life to all people — no matter what the struggle. It was my honor to be a part of that dream with him.

And it is my honor to be one of the Tri-Captains of Team Zakim, the team that raises funds so that Lenny's dream for cancer patients and families can go on forever. Now headed by Dr. Jennifer Ligibel, the Center is expanding.Through the incredible financial support raised by PMC Team Zakim, a brand new beautiful facilty was built in the Dana Building. Now patients and families using Zakim Center services and programs are being treated in a truly healing environment. You - the PMC donors- have helped to make this happen!

The Zakim Center is almost entirely funded through grants and philanthropy. For the past few years, Team Zakim has been the highest funder for the Center - a testiment to the support of all the Team Zakim donors!! The funds brought in by this Team are vital to the financial stability of the Center. And the Center is vital to the quality of life for the people it serves!!

Please help me help the Center continue to strive!

I am committed to raising $7300!!

This is a BIG stretch for me- --- But ---Lenny would have expected nothing different!  

This year is also my last year of riding the 2 day route from Wellesley to Bourne on Saturday and Bourne to the Provincetown Inn.  I will miss it for sure.  So please give as generous a pledge as possible this year so that the Zakim Center continues to grow and to provide  incredible services for people living with cancer.

Please go to http://profile.pmc.org/CM0139 and make your pledge. Or- if you prefer to send it to me, please mail to :

Cynthia Mederios

58 Forest Lane

Scituate Ma 02066

And don't forget to add my EGift # - CM0139

I thank you eversomuch for your past support and all that you will give today!!

Sent with great fondness and, appreciation on behalf of all the lives that you change by your gift, 
Cynthia