This year I get the honor of celebrating my 25th PMC. It is so hard to believe I first registered in 2001 having no idea how it would impact my life. I will be forever grateful for this experience. It would never have been possible without the support of my friends and family and I can't thank you enough for helping me to continue to raise funds for Dana Farber. I jumped in this year just for one day, as I will continue to volunteer as a photographer at the finish line on Sunday which has become a very important part of my journey. Year 25, last ride out of Sturbridge, I am still here and I still can. So why not.
My involvement in the PMC began the year my cousin Kathy died from a brain tumor at the age of 38. I had finally realized that this was enough and reflected on the needlessly long list of people that I had watched suffer with this disease. It started with my aunt Lori, a beautiful, kind and healthy mother of two small children, who also died from a brain tumor 9 months after her diagnosis at the age of 32. My family has never been the same without her. And we lost John Ober, David Nobilini, my grandfathers Ben and Chao, just to name a few. The greatest tragedy was the loss of Kathy's husband Rick from melanoma - 5 years after she died - leaving their two teenage boys without parents. My husband's aunt Meg lost a fierce battle with lung cancer, as did my cousin Janice and both women have left a hole in our family.
Through my involvement with the PMC, I was very fortunate to meet the most wonderful families with children who suddenly found themselves a patient at the Jimmy Fund Clinic, but unfortunate for the reason why. Ryan, Corey, Ethan, Charlotte, Samantha and Kira - thank you for letting us share this journey with you and for being a true inspiration to all of us. And I can't forget my PHAT Tuesday teammates and fellow riders, especially Bill, Maryellen, Greg and Joyce, Jon, and Dave.
The list goes on, and so does the fight. Many people are suffering this year - emotionally, financially and physically and I know that asking for a donation can feel like a burden. Thank you for reading my story and for your unending support and encouragement! And thanks to everyone on PHAT Tuesday - I would never have made it without you!
(with Kira at the PMC in my earlier days who has now graduated from college- what a champ!)
