Why We Ride ...
Friends:
Team Freeman-Clayton was formed to honor Bob Freeman and Wendy Schnipper Clayton and to support everyone we know and love who is or has been impacted by cancer.
Bob and Wendy met in 1987 as summer associates and then later as law clerks to the New Hampshire Supreme Court. With Bob’s wife, Elizabeth, and Wendy’s husband, Aaron, the four became fast and life-long friends. Wendy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2001 and fought valiantly against the disease with the love and support of her family and friends, including Bob and Elizabeth. Bob was diagnosed with renal cancer in 2006, and it was his idea to participate in the PMC in the summer of 2007. Team Freeman formed, and while Bob was not able to ride, his presence along the route served as an inspiration to the Team Freeman riders. Aaron and Wendy were a constant support to Bob and Elizabeth throughout Bob’s battle with the disease. Bob passed away September 22, 2008, less than two years after his diagnosis. Wendy passed away November 29, 2010, almost 10 years after being diagnosed.
To say that Bob and Wendy were special people is a vast understatement. They were two of a kind. Both were talented lawyers, but down-to-earth and unpretentious. They each had a wonderful sense of humor. They shared a love of family, friends, travel, and the outdoors, including cycling. In short, Bob and Wendy lived life to the fullest and nothing was more important to them than living that full life with their families and friends. Even throughout their most trying times they were committed to remain positive and happy for their loved ones. We miss them terribly. Team Freeman-Clayton is our tribute to them and our own commitment to battle cancer in all its forms.
This year, the PMC is expected to raise around $35 million for cancer research through this single event. The PMC is the single largest fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber, and is the largest athletic fundraising event in the world. 100% of rider donations go to Dana-Farber. (For more information about PMC, please click on www.pmc.org.)
We hope you'll be able to honor Bob and Wendy by supporting Team Freeman-Clayton. Donations can be made in two ways. First, and easiest, is to make a donation directly from here by clicking "Make an eGift" (on the right) and donating to one of the riders or to the team account by credit card. If you prefer, you can do it the old-fashioned way and mail a check payable to "PMC/Jimmy Fund" (mail it to Elizabeth Freeman; 12 Old Farm Road, Dover, MA 02030 or Aaron Clayton, 61 Hancock Street, Lexington, MA 02420). All donations are tax deductible.
Thanks from all of us for your support!
- Team Freeman-Clayton
