Hey everyone,  this year I have decided to ride the Pan Mass Challenge from Wellesley to Bourne, on Aug. 4th and 5th, in support of cancer research. As you probably know 100% of the funds donated go directly to Dana Farber, and every dollar counts. My goal is $5,000 and I hope to achieve it.

My saddle pals in this adventure are my sister in law Nancy Belanger, her husband Phil Belanger, and my sister in law Sheri Trocchi. They have all lost their fathers and close relatives to cancer. You can check out their stories on their pages, and I suggest you do so. They have loved ones they are riding for as well, along with the history of those they ride for, all very moving tributes and I honor their stories as they honor mine.

The bond that brought me together with them was my beautiful wife Lynne who we lost to breast cancer on June 26th, 2016, after an initial diagnosis in August of 2012 and a recurrenece in January of 2015.

She fought like hell against this disease and she did it with such humble grace and determination, honestly any preparation I do in training for this ride or any aches and pains I have along the way are miniscule compared to what she went through. I was lucky enough to be by her side for 20 years and we were lucky enough to have three beautiful daughters together.  I will carrry her spirit and determination over every mile. 

She always said I should do this ride and she was pretty much always right about things. If you knew Lynne, you know that's true. :>)  My "someday" is now and it's time to crank it up.

Aside from Lynne, I have lost other family members to cancer, notably my Godparents George and Mary Courtois and their daughter, my cousin, Maureen Paige. Also right now Audrey Persson, my Aunt (and second mom growing up) is holding her own against her cancer diagnosis. I ride for them and many, many others on both sides of my family, those who are currently fighting or in recovery and those no longer with us.

On a broader note I also ride for the Researchers,  Doctors, Nurses, Research Asisstants, everyone up and down the line who fights against this disease.  Obviously everyone wants A cure for cancer, BUT these people WANT. TO. CURE. CANCER. A subtle difference in wording but a huge difference in meaning and  in the dedication they show, and the impact they have, to better people's lives.

I have been in the exam rooms at Dana Farber (and MGH)  when there was good news to share and I have been in the exam rooms when there wasn't. I have seen the happiness in their faces along with disappointment.  These incredible professionals carry on, day to day, appointment after appointment,  making a difference and easing the fears of those fighting a battle nobody wants, but a battle that is helped immeasurably by having these cancer teams fighting for you. It's really incredible, to be honest. 

 Like I said, earlier, every dollar counts so if you'd like to participate I will graciously accept whatever donation you are comfortable with. Also the PMC advises that you check to see if your company has a matching donation program. Many do so you can double the impact of anything you give.

So that's it. Time for me to put in the miles at my little attempt to make a difference. The researchers are getting closer by the day.  As a matter of fact one of the trial drugs Lynne was on in 2015 is now a first line option for treatment of her type of cancer instead of going straight to chemo.  Her bravery and selflessness has benefitted those that have followed her in this fight so she has already made a difference; not a surprise, eh?

Thanks for your reading this, time to hit the road and end these battles for good.