On August 3rd, I will be riding in my 10th Pan-Mass Challenge.

The PMC has come to mean more to me and my family than I could have ever imagined when I took the plunge (literally and figuratively... I totally wiped out at the top of a hill on my first training ride) just over a decade ago. That first year, I rode in memory of my grandmother, who died of a brain tumor when I was 16. Since then, I've ridden in memory of friends, colleagues and cousins who were taken far too soon. I've also ridden in honor of friends, colleagues and cousins who are happy and healthy today because of the doctors, research and treatment that simply wouldn't exist without the fundraising efforts of the PMC.

Last Fathers' Day, we were waiting for my dad to undergo surgery for prostate cancer. We'd been told it was the good kind... just like the lymphoma he'd been treated for just three years earlier. If you're going to hear the word cancer, it's really, really nice to hear the words good kind in the same sentence. But let's face it... when it comes to the people you love, good kind isn't nearly good enough. There's only one word that is even remotely acceptable... actually, when used in the right combination, it can be downright euphoric... and it's why we pedal and fundraise year after year:

FREE.

A year later, my dad is, once again, cancer-free.

See what I mean? Best hypenated word combination EVER.

I HATE CANCER. Earlier this year, we lost a close family friend. In recent months, others have been diagnosed and are just beginning their fights. Oh, do I hate cancer. And yet, I am eternally grateful that there are good kinds. And kinds from which you can be freed.

The PMC is one of the most amazing, inpirational events I have ever been a part of. To join forces with this group of riders who are all there for the same reason... because cancer just sucks... is an honor and a privilege. Out on the road, I have been pulled by survivors whose strength and determination take my breath away more than any hill ever could. I have also been propelled forward by angels at my back.

PMC weekend is full of miracles. But those miracles can't happen without without your support. I don't know anyone who hasn't been personally affected by cancer. So many amazing stories of survival, but also too many stories of heartbreaking loss. Too many, too young, with parents and children and spouses and friends who miss them every day. And so we keep riding. In honor of, in memory of. Becuase we are lucky enough to be able to.

Here are some things you may not know about the PMC:

1. The PMC is the nation’s original fundraising bike-a-thon.

2. The PMC raises more money than any other athletic fundraising event in the country.

3. Since its inception in 1980, the PMC has contributed more than $668 million to lifesaving cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

4. 100% of rider-raised revenue will go directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s tireless commitment to finding a cure for cancer.

I know many of you have charities that are close to your heart. Throughout the year, we are all called upon by friends, family and the charities themselves soliciting our contributions. You may also know other people riding the PMC and if you’ve already committed to them, GREAT! But if not, I ask you to contribute now to this wonderful cause by making a tax-deductible donation in any amount that feels right to you.

Thank you so much in advance.

Love,

Stacy

For online giving, please use the eGift box below. If you would prefer to write a check, please make it payable to PMC-Jimmy Fund and send it to me at 110 Grove Street, Westwood, MA 02090.