Dear Friends and Family,
On August 5th and 6th 2023, I'll be riding my bike over 200 miles from Sturbridge to Provincetown, Massachusetts to mark my 20th year of involvement in the Pan-Mass Challenge bike ride. I ride for everyone in my life who has been touched by cancer, some who have won their fight and others who haven't. That list is too long to name; however, I will tell the story of two important people in my life, close to my heart and who have had a lasting impact on who I am today as a sibling, husband, father, athlete, artist, working professional and human being, and for whom I ride, live and honor every day and in everything I do - especially through my efforts with the Pan Mass Challenge.
My brother Jared passed away in 2005 at 23 years old, following a long and very difficult battle with brain and spinal cancer. I began participating in the PMC in 2004 with my parents and Jared, who at the time volunteered in the event as a bicycle mechanic. Jared was passionate about helping others and he was deeply committed to philanthropy and charitable giving. He was inspired by the mission of the Pan-Mass Challenge athletic fundraiser and the organization's goal of raising much needed funds for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, where at the time he was receiving critical medical treatment during a courageous 2 year battle with pediatric brain and spinal cancer. His goal was one day to be cancer-free, and to complete the ride himself. While that was never possible, he left a beautiful legacy behind that I continue to honor and celebrate every day for the incredible brother, son, friend, athlete, artist and human being that he was.
Corrine Gross, my mother in law, mom of my wife Anne, passed away in 1995 from breast cancer. Corrine was a mom, sister, wife, social worker, farmer, teacher, athlete and more. She was kind, loving, selfless, generous, and beautiful both inside and out. She loved to explore, to travel and to learn. She loved life, and those around her and like my brother Jared, she believed in helping others and making the world a better place. I never met Corrine, but sure wish I had. I'm lucky to have learned about her and the incredible human being that she was over the years from the countless stories, photos and memories shared with me by Anne, Anne's siblings Barbara and Dave, their father Bob, and other family and close friends here in Oregon.
As I ride the PMC, I will be thinking of Jared, Corrine and the millions of others who are impacted by cancer every day. Between now and then, I will be working hard to raise money to support the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and their global life-saving cancer research, innovation and patient care efforts.
I ride as a member of Team Kermit, a diverse team of close family and friends who have committed to honoring Jared's memory and spirit and along with that of others who have also been impacted by cancer. Kermit refers to Kermit The Frog, who was a favorite childhood character of Jared's. As I ride through neighborhoods lined with Pan Mass Challenge supporters, volunteers, family and friends, I'll be thinking of Jared, Corrine and those like them who's lives have been cut short by a disease that despite every effort and advancement in science and medicine, still has no cure. The weekend will be filled with love, positivity and celebration but also countless stories of loss and sadness and this powerful combination of emotions inspires me to celebrate the lives that Jared and Corrine had, and the impact they had on me, their family and friends, and future generations like my own children. I look forward to the day that a cure for cancer will be found, and I am committed to doing my part to achieve that vision through my involvement in this wonderful event.
I am writing today to ask you for your continued support in memory of Jared, Corrine and others through the Jared Branfman Sunflowers For Life Fund For Pediatric Brain And Spinal Cancer Research at Dana Farber's Jimmy Fund.
If you wish to donate please do so here: http://www.pmc.org/profile/AB0166
To learn more about the ride itself, please visit www.pmc.org Thank you in advance for your support and generosity.
With love and kindness,
Adam Branfman
