In early August, I am embarking on my 7th Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), a 6,000+ person, 2-day, 190-mile bike ride across Massachusetts to raise money for cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. I’m returning to the PMC after a 3-year hiatus, which begs the question “What brought you back?” A few reasons:

1. The battle persists. Despite terrific advances in cancer research and treatment in recent years, cancer remains an indefatigable scourge: since my last ride in 2014, one friend’s spouse, another friend’s child, and my mother-in-law, succumbed to it; my friend is currently battling it; and my sister-in-law endured but thankfully survived it.
2. …But we are winning the battle. Amazing donor support is literally saving lives – my PMC team’s 10-year old Pedal Partner, Declan, overcame an all-but-fatal bout with brain cancer due to research advances funded in significant part by our team (the team has raised $3.5 million since 2005, a portion of which is earmarked for a Dana-Farber research lab focused exclusively on Declan’s cancer type).
3. And you’re making it happen. The support that donors have provided for my PMC rides has been awe-inspiring. I’m grateful beyond words that so many of you asked when I’ll be back and riding again so that you can contribute. And, if my donors will continue generously supporting this terrific cause, then I’ll keep riding to earn your support.

Once again, I will be pedaling this year with Team Kermit, a group that rides in honor of the team leader’s son, Jared, who died at the age of 23 after a heartbreaking 2½-year battle with brain and spinal cancer (here is a terrific profile on Team Kermit (the segment begins at the 2:15 mark): http://www.wcvb.com/article/pmc-on-cvb-team-kermit/7801199). Kermit the Frog was Jared’s favorite childhood character, so Team Kermit riders wear colorful cycling uniforms emblazoned with Kermit the Frog, with a stuffed Kermit atop their helmets -- a fan favorite at the PMC. And, once again, I’m working on another outlandish Kermit helmet design, to eclipse my prior efforts.

To all my past and potential new donors, I very much hope that you will consider a contribution of any size to the PMC. Note that 100% of your donation is directly contributed to the Jimmy Fund (http://www.jimmyfund.org), the charity that supports the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Thank you so much for your consideration – I appreciate it immensely!