In the time span of a birth and death date, there is a DASH. “What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our DASH.” ~ Linda Ellis

Dear Family and Friends,

As I prepare for this year’s Pan-Mass Challenge, I’m reflecting on what it means to show up. I’m slowing my pace and focusing on what matters most to me: time with family and friends and finding more peace. I’m striving to live in my “DASH,” because it’s not about how fast or how far I go, or how much I achieve, but about finding joy in my journey.

This perspective has taken on even greater meaning as I navigate one of the most difficult years of my life. Over the past 12 months, I’ve faced overwhelming loss and health struggles. My mom passed away from melanoma on Mother’s Day 2024, and my dad on March 4, 2025. Gregg continues his fight against cancer, and I have been facing my own health challenges. Despite it all, I’m preparing for my 22nd Pan-Mass Challenge ride, because as long as I can pedal, I will.

My involvement in the PMC goes far beyond the ride. I work closely with Dana-Farber liaisons to ensure researchers, especially those focused on underfunded or complex cancers, receive the financial support they need, particularly where NIH funding falls short. Team 3G also backs projects that rely on private funding, like SPORE grants, which accelerate promising cancer research into clinical settings. As captain, my mission is to support the team, advocate for those who need us, and honor the legacy of those who inspire our work.

Team 3G continues to be a source of strength and inspiration. Together, we’ve achieved the extraordinary, raising over $625,000 in 2024 and surpassing $2.23 million since our team’s inception just five short years ago. These numbers represent more than just dollars; they embody the collective power of a community united in the fight against cancer. Leading this team is one of my greatest honors, and I am constantly reminded that every mile we pedal and every dollar we raise carries the hopes of those we ride for: the people we’ve lost, those still battling, and the future we’re working toward.

To my supporters—you are the heart of this journey. Your generosity lifts me on the toughest days. As I ride into 2025, I do so in memory of my mother, Gloria Aronheim, my father, Richard Aronheim, and my cousin, Steven Freiman—both Richard and Steve were past PMC riders. I also ride for my husband, Gregg “3G,” who continues to defy all odds. And I ride with hope—for a future without cancer’s shadow.

Join me in living in the DASH!

With love and gratitude,
Amy