Dear Friend,

I am asking for your support once again for my Pan Mass Challenge ride to raise money for cancer research.

Yes, I'm back in the saddle for the 16th time! The PMC is on and I am riding again with our multigeneration Team Freeman Clayton. This year Michal, Ellie, and Ian are able to return to riding and they brought a new teammate, Ellie's partner, Romello (Mello) Goodman.   It's awesome that we are all riding together and with each other every pedal stroke of the way. I may need that support as I'm having a bout of OMK-- old man knee!

I keep riding. It honors Wendy and the many people in my life who have been diagnosed with cancer,- those who battled, those who are in treatment, and those who have beat it and are in remission. In addition to Wendy, I ride in memory of my late best friend Bob Freeman (for whom this team is co-named), Karen's late husband Marc Silver, friends Michele L, Sally K, Bob R, and more. I ride for those in remission, under treatment or beyond the five-year cancer-free mark and these include - to name just a few- my sister Ronna, brother Michael and sister-in-law Hildete, friends Robert H, Paul K, Barbara L, and many more friends extended family all of whom cancer has touched.

And frankly, there is no let up in the incidence of cancer diagnosis so our most important goal is to develop diagnostics and treatments that are ever more effective, tolerable and accessible. With all our efforts, that is exactly the path we are on.

Riding is a ritual I use to tune in and deeply remember those we have lost to cancer, those that are thriving after the diagnosis, and to send energy to the many people in my life who have been touched directly by cancer. It's also a statement of optimism justified by the incredible breakthroughs curing more and more forms of cancer while making others treatable for the long haul. And research makes this happen; research that is driven by your donations.

So thank you. Breaking news! Our team has now raised over $2 million for all our years of riding! I didnt see that coming and I'm very proud of that...but in reality, you made that happen. I just was there for the ride, so to speak.

I know there are many worthy causes and many riders, so donations of any amount are appreciated. And remember...

• I put my money where my tush is; I will donate at least $5,000 after I hit my goal of $5,000 raised from you
• 100% of your donations to the PMC go toward cancer research (sponsors cover all the admin costs)
• Federal spending cuts and attacks on acacdemic research insitutions make private contributions to medical research even more vital

A final word about Wendy: Wendy Schnipper Clayton or Schnip, as she was known in many circles, passed away on Nov 29, 2010, at the age of 47 from ovarian cancer. She lived through and fought cancer for almost 10 years. My family, many friends, and I are still inspired  by how she lived her life- a life that was complete, thankful, and joyful for all it had given her. Thanks to her amazing determination, intelligence, warmth, and built-in good cheer, the advances in cancer treatments, the care of her Dana Farber medical team and the support from colleagues, our loving friends, and family, those who knew her we always had that from her and have been forever changed by it.

With much love,

Aaron

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