This year—after a decade of cheering on friends and family from the sidelines—I’ll be participating in my first ever Pan-Mass Challenge! Like many, cancer has played a significant role in my life, and I’ve had a front row seat to the hope and direct impact that the PMC brings to so many families and individuals who have been impacted.
My sister, Maggie, has spent her entire career as a research nurse at Dana-Farber, working every day to ensure that her patients receive the best care—always with a smile on her face. I’ve watched Maggie devote countless hours and endless energy to the fight against cancer, enabled in large part by the support of PMC riders and donors.
My dad, Bill, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023 and received his care from Dana-Farber, supported by Maggie and the incredible teams that she works with every day. I was in awe of the level of care, support, and genuine empathy that my dad was lucky enough to receive. It was remarkable. And Dad is at full strength today!
This story is far from unique.
Throughout my life—leading up to Maggie’s work at Dana-Farber and my dad’s cancer diagnosis—the power of the Dana-Farber community has been ever-present in my life. Most notably, our dear friend and one of my “other mothers” Cindy Hale spent much of my childhood relentlessly battling cancer with astonishing resiliency and hope. She has been an inspiration to so many, enabling them to take up the challenge of fighting cancer with the same spirit and determination. For years now, Cindy and her husband JD (also a cancer survivor and one of my “other fathers”) have continued to support the cause as ultimate evangelists for the PMC and leaders of the FLAMES team that I’ll be riding with this year. I’m honored to ride alongside Cindy, JD, their son Charlie, and other friends who are committed to supporting the Dana-Farber community.
If you are able, I hope you’ll consider supporting the effort to fund future cancer cures by donating to my ride or the rides of Cindy, JD, Charlie, or my dear friend and fellow first-time rider Santo Dettore, whose mother, Nancy, bravely battles cancer today.
I truly appreciate your support and generosity—let’s go!
You can donate whichever way is easiest for you. 100% of the funds raised go directly to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute:
- By venmo (@Charlie-Carey)
- By check (made out to “PMC” or “Pan Mass Challenge) mailed to: Charlie Carey, 470 Old County Rd, Plainfield, NH 03781
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