This will be my 4th year riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge and I will riding again as a team member on the Patriots Platelet Pedalers! My first two years, I rode alongside my dad and our family friend Brian for PMC Reimagined due to COVID. Last year was my 1st year riding an official PMC route, Wellesley to Bourne! It was one of the most challenging things I have ever done but also the most rewarding. Hearing all of the support from people along the route, along with our final PPP Check presentation, motivated me to ride for another year!

There are several reasons why I ride but first and foremost, I am “Living Proof!” I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at 3 years old, and was treated at Dana Farber Cancer Institute for just over 2 years. I am now 26 years old and healthy! I was a pedal partner many years ago, rode in 2 PMC Kids Rides, and have also volunteered for the PMC a few times.

I have always wanted to participate in the PMC and there is so much that has inspired me to ride. My friend Brandon, a survivor like myself, was diagnosed with the same type of Leukemia I had when we were in high school. Then, in the summer of 2017 my grandfather Richie passed away from cancer. This gave me even more incentive to want to ride, but I still wasn't ready. Suddenly, in the summer of 2019, my cousin Arianna was diagnosed with Lymphoma. Instead of starting her senior year of high school, she started chemo at Dana Farber. This is when I realized it was time for me to do something, so I decided to commit to my first PMC. Arianna has now been in remission for three and half years and just finished her Junior year of college! This is due in large part to the funds donated by the PMC.

Last year, my reasons for riding grew. Soon after riding my second PMC, my cousin Chrissy was also diagnosed with Lymphoma. As of last spring she has been in remission and doing very well!

Now Brandon, Arianna, Chrissy, and I are living proof! If you would like to donate to my ride, so there can be more success stories like ours, you can click on the donate to my ride link on my page. If you would like to write a check, make it out to PMC Jimmy Fund and mail it to me at:

Nicole Raso

3 Eastview Terrace Stoneham, MA 02180

THANK YOU!!