2019 This is my sixth PMC. My first was inspired by a desire to honor the memory of my sister Anne. Her story is below. She is still my main inspiration.. I know that I have become part of something much bigger.
I'm a proud supporter of the PMC because it is leading a charge to beat cancer. In fact, last year 100% of rider-raised revenue went directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure.
Cancer has affected almost everyone I know, friends, co-workers and family. The Dana Farber Cancer institute provides expert compassionate care to children and adults with cancer while advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure and prevention of cancer and related diseases. The Jimmy Fund is a major funding source for this work.
The people I met at my first four PMCs were to a one inspiring..My first year I met a fellow rider thirteen years older than I, who was completing his thirteenth PMC. That was 2014 the year known for the cold rain. Since then weather improved and I really enjoyed the ride and comraderie. I met people who are living proof that cancer does not have to win, who have successfully battled cancer and now are regular riders. So many inspiring stories....
I am thankful that so many people supported me, not only financially, but as riding friends and training partners. You all have my enduring thanks.
My Inspiration, My sister: Anne Mates
In 2005 my sister, Anne Mates was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and a frightening prognosis. The cancer had spread to her liver and ovaries. She faced risky surgery, and if that was successful, chemotherapy.
She was treated at South Shore Hospital and The Dana Farber Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at the South Shore Hospital. The surgery was successful and she had several rounds of chemotherapy.
Over the next eight years she had many ups and downs. She had a period when they even used the term “Cancer free” but that did not last. The cancer that returned was inoperable but responded to chemotherapy for a while.
A new drug would be developed and that would work for a while and then it wouldn’t. When things were not going her way she would tell me that a new drug was going to be available on such and such a date. And often that new drug would work … for a while
During this time she continued to work in her job as assistant director of the Weymouth Food Pantry and participated in eight Relay for Life® events.
The June 2013 Weymouth MA Relay for Life® was dedicated to Heroes of Hope referring to cancer survivors.
In the spring of 2013 she made the decision to discontinue treatment. Her body was no longer responding to the available drugs. She focused her remaining time and energy on her family and friends including participating in what was to be her final Relay for Life®.
She captained “Team Planting Hope” appropriately named, because she kept hope alive for herself, her three children, her family and friends. Team Planting Hope walked wearing T Shirts that said, “I support Team Planting Hope ANNE MATES IS MY HERO”.
She died in August of 2013 a few days short of her 62nd birthday. Shortly before her death she told me that she was grateful for the eight years she had because her children (ages 29-36) were now settled better than when she was first diagnosed and she felt they would be all right.
I could go on for many pages telling you about this remarkable woman, my sister Anne. About the influence she had on so many people, how so many of her children’s friends came to think of her as a second mother. Even when she was sick she reached out to and did a lot of good for many people. She raised a lot of money to give hope to not only herself but for others. I believe that the work supported by the Jimmy Fund helped get her those “extra years”.
I continue to ride the PMC in memory of my sister Anne Mates, who is still very much my hero.
On the second day of the PMC I will be wearing a Jersey with that logo prominently displayed.
