I'm a proud supporter of the PMC because it is leading a charge to beat cancer. In fact, last year 100% of rider-raised revenue went directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure.
I was first impacted by cancer as a high school student when a friend was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. I still can feel the sense of shock that, a friend, at 16, would have to face such a thing...Little could I imagine at the time that many more people in my would would face the diagnosis of cancer.
Most recently, my sister had to face the diagnosis of throat cancer. She had surgery, radiation and chemo. Hearing of the day to day brutality she had to face/endure was (is) heart wrenching. The treatment options were severe and she felt so unprepared to make the decisions that she had to make. Thankfully, she has had an excellent treatment outcome and has been recovering well with a positive prognosis. Her diagnosis is what has prompted me to get on my bike and ride the PMC. Over the past 44 years, I have seen too many people facing this disease. Enough is enough. I am prompted to action in hopes of moving toward a cure.
On August 6 & 7, I will be riding my bicycle with 6000 kindered spirits for two days from Sturbridge, MA to Provincetown, MA. We ride as a group and a force to break the hold that cancer has on so many. The ride is about doing something hard for two days- nothing compared to the day to day challenges of a cancer patient who faces SO MUCH. As I train, I remember those who have left us AND those who continue the battle AND those who have survived. As I ride, I carry all these names in my heart.
The PMC has been in my life for so many years. I first heard about it working at Cape Cod Sea Camps. The team supported two high school students who were stricken with cancer. I remember being in awe as Otis Moyer lead the team and supported these students, emotionally, motivationally, compassionately and financially. Our kids also worked at camp and participated in the cheer section at Da Hedge and they acted as lug-nuts (luggage volunteers). My friend, Tom Prannikoff had been asking me to join in for 11. The PMC has been in my ear...When my sister fell ill with throat cancer in 2021, the world fell away and I began to listen to the whispers-- the whispers of what is important in life.
You know how when a strong person walks in the room and without a word, changes the energy of the whole room? You know the energy change in the universe when you lose a loved one- the crispness of colors, the utter focus you feel and the sharp aweness you have of the air on your arms? As I get ready for my third PMC, I feel this sharp pull towards a goal that is crystal clear. As we get closer by the mile, the need to get there grows stronger-- the need to find the cure. Cancer continues to strike. Treatment options are better
