In December 2014, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer.  I had surgery and then six months of chemo. Finishing chemo in June 2015, I was declared cancer free.  10 years (and 4 colonoscopies and counting), I'm still cancer free and healthy.  Unfortunately, my father wasn't as lucky. In 2016, he passed away from prostate cancer at age 83, much too early based on his overall health at the time.

In March this year, I turned 60. So, for my 60th birth year and 10th year cancer free, I'm back after 7 years' absence to ride my 12th PMC.

I am riding this year not for fear, but for hope. Hope for better treatments for prostate cancer. Hope for earlier detection and diagnosis of colorectal cancer (I was 49 when symptoms sent me for a colonoscopy, so before that age). Hope for gene therapy and genetic testing that will help children with cancers of the blood and bone. I was treated and cared for very well at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. I will always be grateful to Drs. Marty Weiser (my surgeon) and Leonard Saltz at MSKCC. But I'm also grateful for the community of cancer patients, survivors, doctors, friends, family and colleagues current and former who make up the Pan Mass Challenge Community. And so I ride. I ride even though frankly it's tough to carve out the time to train. I ride even though I really don't love asking people for money. And I ride for the hope and joy on the faces around us over PMC weekend. And because I truly believe that we can make a difference by funding this research and for the family members who have battled cancer using technology developed in part at the Farber - whether they're treated there or across the world. The mission of the Dana Farber continues to inspire with the dedication to research and excellent patient care.

I really do think that the PMC - a 192 mile ride over two days from Sturbridge to Provincetown - stands as a beacon of hope for the power of individuals to effect change. The PMC is a great cause and a very efficient fund-raiser. 100% of the money raised by riders in the PMC goes directly to Dana Farber's Jimmy Fund, where it's available for cancer research and treatment.

Any amount would be appreciated. I hope you can make a generous gift today.

Thanks for your support.

Christopher Austin