Last year was the first year I attempted the Pan Mass Challenge, after 20 years of admiring it from afar and supporting others. The experience of the 85 miles from Wellesley to Bourne last year was incredible and Dave & I finished strong! I was overwhelmed and so impressed with the support of all communities along the route, the dedication of teams and individuals, those riding in honor of a loved one, in honor of themselves, or in honor of making a major difference. The presence of a common purpose and community was incredibly heartwarming and positive. And let's face it, we need more of that in the world. This year I'm going to ride 77 miles on Sunday, August 4th from Bourne to Provincetown in order to raise $6K for cancer research. That's $2K more than I had to raise last year but this more difficult route and the cause is worth it!
The PMC is unique among fund raisers in that 100% of rider-raised revenue goes directly to support Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure. Raising more money for charity than ANY OTHER single athletic event in the US, since 1980 it has raised $972M for cancer research. And the impact is real. For example, recently a PMC-funded breakthrough CAR-T cell therapy for lymphoma was approved by the FDA. This level of effort has real impact, it's not just a drop in the bucket. This year the PMC's goal is $75M and 6500 riders. My discomfort for a day (or week) is well worth it.
The list of friends and family who have been affected is too long, and I ride for all of you - Muz (Peggy O'Neill), Dick Lehman, Uncle Dave, Brenda, Craig, Judy, Dita, Laurie, Beth, Caroline, Karoline, Cilla, Vince, Trixie, Karim, Avery, Jeannie B-C, Liz, and Ellie. And I'm sure there are many I didn't even know were impacted.
Training courtesy of Dave Lehman, thank you for doing this with me! And of course I have to mention Lee Steelman, who dragged his daughter (my best friend) and I across Iowa 468 miles on a bike (Ragbrai) when we were 12. She still hasn't gotten back in the saddle :-). It took me 40 years. But I'm back!
Thank you for any donation you can offer!
