** Important update; as of yesterday, 8 days out, I have had to cancel my ride and become a virtual rider. Thankfully and gratefully, with the help of many PMC staff, I will be able to volunteer at the MMA finish all day Saturday. No passing El without a hug!!!!! I can't wait.

Dear Loyal Sponsors,

I have always felt it is such a privilege to be on my bike, pedaling from Sturbridge to P-town, well enough and strong enough to charge over the miles; TEAM BELIEVE, setting pace lines and goals. Now it will be virtual but just as important and meaningful. Our challenges on PMC weekend and in training, pale in comparison to what cancer patients and families face day in and out. This year, as I acclimated to a new norm with visual impairment, I was thrilled beyond words to be back in the saddle. A remarkable extended team of doctors, technicians, instructors, family and friends have supported me wholeheartedly and lovingly through a visual tsunami of sorts and they ahave been MY WIND.. My heart is filled with gratitude and appreciation. WE are often asked WHY DO WE PMC? I PMC in memory and honor of countless family and friends and this year, I PMC because I CAN.

I continue to think often and a lot about what it takes to get someone through the cancer journey. Teamwork at its best, the PMC and Dana Farber, join forces to provide the best possible care and treatments, life saving clinical trials and research and education that extends globally. Myriad cancers are experiencing enormous changes in extending life, enhancing quality of life and kicking cancers into remission and out of the park forever. WE ALL have much to be proud of because without you and your PMC support, much of this could not happen.

Recently, I spent a good deal of time with a special friend and relative undergoing a stem cell transplant at MGH. The importance of our mission was glaringly omnipresent. Our funds matter. Our support matters. Collaboration between the best docs and hospitals in the country and world matter. The international stem cell donor matters; he saved a life and gave new life to my cousin. The housekeeping/environmental services crew who cleaned for 20 mins. an already sterile room with such meticulous, careful, loving care and attention to detail that I cried, matter. The PMC is the fuel for our cancer patients and you are the most valuable and invaluable spokes in our wheels. I hope you will join again in support of this important cause.

This is year #27 and I carry so many loved ones in my heart as I prepare to ride and fundraise. In our 40th year, the PMC has an ambitious goal of 61 million $$$ and I have no doubt we will make it. 100% of that total goes to Dana -Farber Cancer Institute. My personal goal is $12,000....and am excited to say I have just made the milestone of 1/4 million raised in 27 years with your EXTRAordinary and continued support!!!!!!!!!

I am volunteering and riding for you, for me, for our families and friends, in memory and honor of so way too many. Let's keep survivorship climbing at an ever increasing rate and let's keep believing in the difference we, TEAM BELIEVE, are making.

With love and thanks, and hope,

Ellen

*** I hold so many in my heart and prayers and especially at this time; Tag, Lucy, Simon, Ruth, Ethan and Paul.