April 7, 2024
Every year I say this is my last PMC, and every year there is more reason to ride. Unfortunately, this year I have more incentive than ever. My dear friend and fellow-PMC-er, Julia Parrillo Craig, was diagnosed with breast cancer in January, and is currently undergoing treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Julia and I met my sophomore (her freshman) year at Mount Holyoke. Our Boston-area roots and shared sense of humor led to an immediate connection. While we lost touch briefly in our mid-twenties, Julia and I reconnected after she learned about my own cancer journey. Since then our sisterly bond has been a daily source of love and strength to us both. I am so proud of her accomplisments as a professional, partner and mother. Together we have perfected pie crust, spent countless hours chatting/texting about everything and anything and are planning a post-chemo celebratory trip to France to take a cooking class at the home of Julia Child.
I have accompanied Julia to a a few appointments and observed the skilled and compassionate care that the DFCI team provides to her and her family. The road ahead is lengthy and challenging, and every dollar raised is needed to advance treatment options and ulitmately find a cure for all cancers.
This year I am again riding the two-day PMC along with Shaun, Team Fidelity & Friends and now Julia's husband James. While Julia will not be by my side, she will be in our hearts and with the help of Dana-Farber will be riding again soon.
Love,
Beth
