Dear Friends and Family,

In a few days I am embarking on my 8th Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), a 6,000+ person, 2-day, 170-mile bike ride across Massachusetts to raise money for cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. “Gee, Kyle, your fundraising letter is coming rather late,” you say? Indeed, my decision to ride this year came only a week ago, as I have been sidelined since May with a back injury that has precluded riding or doing much of anything in a vertical position (although amazingly, I’m very adept at eating doughnuts while reclining). And, while I’m eager to undergo surgery immediately after the PMC, I was determined to ride in this year’s PMC. So, a few weeks ago I picked up a three-wheeled trike and, with tolerable pain, have done a whopping 3 training rides. A few questions that have arisen:

• A trike sounds pretty dorky, especially when paired with your super dorky Team Kermit helmets (pictures attached) – do you have any pride? No.
• You are riding 170 miles despite having done virtually no training and being grossly out of shape. Are you worried? Yes.
• The PMC will be back next year. Why not take the year off and take up knitting in lieu of riding? First, I’m a terrible knitter. Second, the ride is that important.

To that last point, cancer has afflicted virtually everyone I know – either personally, through a loved one, through a friend, or a combination of all. Cancer’s ubiquitousness and perniciousness are breathtaking. So, if riding a dorky trike with a bad back will enable me to fundraise for a cause that is so important to so many, then I’m in.

I am pedaling again with Team Kermit, a group that cycles 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. Jared’s favorite childhood character was Kermit the Frog, so in his memory Team Kermit members wear colorful cycling jerseys emblazoned with Kermit the Frog, and don a stuffed Kermit atop their helmets -- a fan favorite at the PMC.

To all my past and potential new donors, I very much hope that you will consider a contribution of any size to the PMC. I would love your support. Note that the PMC donates 100% of every dollar raised to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

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