Many of us are wondering what this summer might bring. As a result, I have been hesitant to reach out to you with my annual PMC request. However, I became more comfortable after recently receiving a compelling letter sent to all riders from PMC Executive Director, Billy Star. Please allow me to share it with you because it expresses the importance of your continued support despite the COVID-19 challenges.

“… The PMC plans to make a decision by early June as to whether or not we can safely, and responsibly, stage the PMC weekend in its traditional form. We will be guided by the best public health information from leaders in infectious diseases regarding the conditions under which we should host events of our size and complexity. We will consider every factor that would impact the quality and safety of the weekend that we all love.

As of now, the three options for PMC weekend that the PMC staff are working on are:

• In its intended form, with COVID-19 precautions
• In a significantly modified form
• In a virtual form

Regardless of what shape the weekend takes, we must remain on mission to raise critical funds for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The PMC mantras - There's a lot riding on us, Commit you'll figure it out, and Committed - will be tested like never before. The PMC is responsible for 57 percent of all Jimmy Fund revenue and almost 20 percent of DFCI's unrestricted money. Every year in the United States, 650,000 people die from cancer, and the COVID-19 environment creates even greater challenges for cancer patients, their loved ones and the heroes who treat them and search for cures. Dana-Farber counts on the PMC to deliver funds that allow them to serve the cancer community, and this year that includes the additional challenges and costs that COVID-19 has brought to patient care.

In today's world, there is so much we cannot control. While external factors will dictate what form PMC weekend will take, we are each in control of our efforts to support Dana-Farber in their work to save lives and deliver hope.”

Please participate in our ride by contributing generously. It is imperative that we continue to support the essential work of institutions such as Dana-Farber.

You can make your gift on the web at https://donate.pmc.org/BB0086

Alternatively, kindly send a check payable to PMC to my home at 79 Florence St. Apt. 510S, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.

You continue to be the wind at my back.

Stay safe,

Barry