When I agreed last year to join my dad, Rob, in the Pan-Mass Challenge, I did so believing it was his "last ride". 2022 was the fourth year he participated in the 2 day, 160 mile bike ride from Wellesley, Massachusetts to Provincetown, Massachusetts, to raise funds for cancer research and treatment in honor of his sister and my aunt, Susan Pessotti, who passed away from cancer in 2016. I was honored that he had asked me to join him for his last hurrah, but when we finally crossed the finish line last August, I knew immediately that I had been tricked. My 62 year old father had out-paced me for all 160 miles and seemed to have barely broken a sweat, while I was so exhausted I barely remember taking the above picture. When I asked if he was really done for good, he smiled and said "we'll see".
I truly didn't think I would be a repeat participant, but here we are preparing for his fifth, and my second ride. I'm just as out-of-shape and nervous as I was last year, but once I saw how much this fundraiser means to so many families affected by this disease, I understood why my dad keeps coming out of his alleged retirement. The Pan-Mass Challenge raises more money for charity than any other single event in the country, with a goal of $70 million this year alone. To that end, I am reaching out again to humbly request your support. I will be matching the first $2,500 of donations that I receive this year, and all donations will go directly to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (and are 100% tax deductible). I truly appreciate any amount you are willing to contribute, it really means so much to so many people.
Best,
Andrew