Team Marshfield Rams Cancer started as a group of friends, family, classmates and SURVIVORS who all have the common roots of either growing up or living in Marshfield Ma (or just like the Town!). The Marshfield town mascot is the Ram which symbolizes the strength and perseverance needed to fight and beat cancer (and complete the ride!). This is our 9th year riding as a team and covid be damned we are back and ready to ride. This year we have more than 20 riders and are seeking to push our cumulative team fundraising to more than $1,200,000,000!
As our team grows so does the breadth of our mission…we are riding for our moms, dads, siblings, and loved ones afflicted by this killer. The love and empathy for all affected by this disease serves as inspirational fuel for Team Ram Cancer as we stomp the pedals to P-Town with the one and only one mission to beat ALL cancer. It’s a pretty simple mission and we have some living proof to help deliver the message:
Rich Murphy was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma back in 2008 and is the original inspiration for our Marshfield group effort. There were very few treatments for this type of cancer, and these treatments failed to control the disease. It started in his nasal passage, was removed, but one year later was back in his lungs. The prognosis was not good, and did not get better. It had soon spread to his spine and midsection in 15-20 sites. No conventional medicine could help, and he would need to try clinical trials. The clinical trials worked and shrunk the tumors by over 50%! After a few months they were gone. It is truly amazing that Rich is with us today. With the research of Dana-Farber, cancer patients like Rich have a fighting chance. And for Rich, he has that second chance and is pumped to be an 9 year rider in the PMC!
Jay Mauro was 23 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Luckily for Jay he caught the disease early and his type of cancer has some very successful treatment programs and cure rates. Jay went through the surgery and treatments and beat the disease. Jay feels blessed that at the time of his diagnosis so many advances in treatments had been achieved. He is also very grateful that it only took “one” to have a beautiful family. He is a 16 year rider and has vowed to ride for as long as he can.
Steve Waisgerber began doing the PMC ride in 1988 and was diagnosed (unexpectedly as so many are) with testicular cancer in April 1990…he underwent two surgeries and chemotherapy which concluded in June of 1991. During his ordeal Steve not only beat the disease but he also completed the PMC 2 times! Now as a 28 year survivor and 38 year rider Steve is more committed than ever. As resident of Marshfield and teacher at Marshfield High School Steve is happy to bring the Ram spirit to the ride!
Betsy Johnson is a longtime Marshfield resident and class of 88' Ram. She began doing the PMC ride in 2018 after being diagnosed with invasive ductile carcinoma (breast cancer) in January of 2018. Through Dana Farber she participated in the control group for a new cancer treatment. In September 2018 she had a double mastectomy, followed by radiation in November, and her reconstruction surgery in May. After that 2019 ride she had one more surgery and is now riding in her 6th PMC.
John Johnny Smooth Moore was diagnosed with pancreatic neauroendochrine cancer in 2009 - a rare cancer but same one that ultimately took down Apple founder, Steve Jobs. After being given 6mos to live, John defied all odds, rode in 7 PMC events, raised awarness and money for cancer research and most importantly inspired the living proof community before his passing in June 2023. John is one of the strongest cyclists I have personally ridden with...both mentally and physically. We will continue the fight in memory of Johnny Smooth...RIP.
We are blessed to ride (and have ridden) with these Rams along with 6,000 other riders who are cycling for the same cause. It is truly an amazing and inspiring event that helps so many families who suffer from cancer.
