On August 5th and 6th, I will be participating in my first Pan Mass Challenge as a member of the Patriots Platelet Pedalers team. I will be cycling a total of 186 miles over two days to raise money for Dr. Ken Anderson, the Kraft Family Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
It seems right I take on this challenge in the summer of 2017.
This summer is the 15th anniversary of losing my mother to ovarian cancer. Just a few years later, we lost my dad to lung cancer. Both losses came too soon, but I remain incredibly grateful that my folks had access to personalized treatment and, ultimately, quality palliative care from their medical teams.
This summer is also the 20th anniversary of being introduced to the term Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans. (And, 15 years since I learned how to spell it!) DFSP is a rare cancer - only about one case per million per year. My folks always told me I was one in a million. (I assume they meant that in a loving way?) So, it felt right that if I was going to have my own moment with cancer, it should be this particular strand. The good news is that two procedures later I was cancer free with only a four inch souvenir scar left to remind me how fortunate I am.
I recognize my tale is not unique. The unfortunate truth is that I don't know a single person who hasn't been affected by cancer in some way - a family member, a friend or themself. At the same time, we are seeing remarkable advances that are leading to early diagnosis, effective treatments and models for future cures.
I hope you will consider supporting the cancer research through a donation to my Pan-Mass Challenge ride. If interested, you can give online by clicking on this link: Dan's Fundraising Page. 100% of PMC rider-raised revenue will directly support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
AT PMC, they like to say we're getting closer to a cure by the mile. That's true. However, we simply cannot cross that life-saving finish line without the help of a peloton of supporters. Thank you for your consideration.
