Five years ago I made the decision to ride in my first Pan Mass Challenge. I never realized how that decision on that January day in 2015 would change my life. How a single individual with a bike coming together with thousands of other individuals with bikes could have such an impact on such a cause.
Throughout these past years I have shared my PMC story mentioning those I ride in memory of: Hope, Theo Jimmy, Billy, George, Jimmy and the many others whose names I carry with me each year in memory and in honor. And for those who have patiently listened to my PMC story throughout these past five years, I also hear your stories, the challenges you, a family member, a close friend have faced with cancer. And yet you look at me and thank me for riding as if I’m the hero. But as I listen and look at you, I only want to reach out and hug you and to thank you and to say I’m sorry you have had to face this ugly disease in your life, in my eyes you are the heroes.
In 2018 together, we raised $56 million for Dana Farber. On August 3rd along with my cousin Chris and the rest of my PMC Family I will ride in my 5th PMC, the PMC’s 40th anniversary. The kindness, support and generosity you have shown me are the foundation to my ride and to those at Dana Farber and the Jimmy Fund.
As I have concluded all of my previous messages: Think of the worst day you recently had at work or at school, or how your kids were acting up, or the disagreement you had with your spouse, or all of the above, and then think of that adult or child at Dana Farber who went through another round of treatments, and ask yourself “What kind of day is he or she having?”
Please consider supporting my ride in this year’s Pan Mass Challenge.
Thank you and God bless.
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Continuing the ride in memory of:
Billy ~ A cousin whose faith and strength inspired all
George ~ A cousin whose unique insight always brought laughter
Hope ~ A friend who made everyone smile and kept you honest
Jimmy ~ A good friend “Jubee’s” brother
Theo Jimmy ~ An uncle who believed there was good in everyone
