Dear sponsor,
This year I am riding in the Pan Mass Challenge with team
Stirling Strong. I am riding for one reason, to remember a dear friend of mine
who lost her awful eight year battle with cancer in July of 2012. Below is a
brief explanation of what an amazing person Stirling was but by no means
explains the full impact she had on each person she interacted with.
THE PAN MASS CHALLENGE:
The Pan-Mass Challenge, an
annual bike-a-thon, raises more money for charity than any other single event
in the country. Since 1980 the PMC has raised $350 million for cancer research
and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. The PMC is a 2 day, 192 mile ride from
Sturbridge to Provincetown MA.
WHY I AM RIDING:
2013 is the 2nd year for team Stirling
Strong, a team built to honor and support an amazing girl with a wonderful
attitude, Stirling Winder.
Stirling first was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma when she was
a freshman in college and was quickly taken from UVM to Mass General Hospital
so her cancer could be addressed. Treatment included a knee replacement
and chemotherapy. Three years ago, Stirling was convinced to ride the PMC
and fell in love with the challenge and riding. She wanted to make a difference
in the fight against cancer.
2012 was supposed to be Stirling’s fourth PMC ride, but
cancer was not kind to her. Seven days before
Team Stirling Strong left Sturbridge, Stirling lost her fierce battle with
cancer. All during her battle, she kept
an amazing attitude and spirit. She
wanted to be a pediatric oncology nurse. Her courage throughout her entire
battle continues to be a true inspiration.
So once again, our team is riding with Stirling's name on
our back and her in our heart with a goal of raising $100,000 + for Dana Farber
and cancer research. Over the course of three days, we will ride with thousands
of people and raise money so that Sirling’s PMC rides mean even more, the end
of cancer.
PMC FACTS:
• Since
2008, the PMC has donated 100% of every rider-raised dollar directly to the
cause
• The PMC is Dana-Farber’s single largest contributor
through the Jimmy Fund
