There’s no better way to say it: cancer sucks. Maybe that’s not polite or eloquent—but neither is cancer.

This is the 12th year I’m writing to ask for your support of Dana-Farber and The Jimmy Fund through the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), and I wasn’t sure what story this letter would tell—until Wednesday March 26. Feeling inspired by my upcoming visit to Dana-Farber for the annual PMC Team Captains’ meeting later in the day, I picked that morning to start writing. While hospital visits can trigger feelings of anxiety, trips to Dana-Farber have also been moving experiences for me. As a patient I felt incredibly lucky to have cutting-edge care and comprehensive support so close to home. As a visitor, I have toured the facility, and had the opportunity to meet some of the doctors and researchers at Dana-Farber, learning first-hand about advances they have made and their hopes for the future. I have been able to meet other patients and hear how these advances have directly impacted them and their families.

But even with progress, there’s a grim reality: Cancer still takes too many, too soon, and leaves pain and emptiness in its wake.

The afternoon of the 26th became heavy with pain and emptiness as a bright light was extinguished that morning after a year-long battle with cancer. It was a painful reminder. Most of us have experienced loss at cancer’s hand in one way or another. Loss of time for treatment, loss of hope when there is nothing else to be done, loss of a loved one gone too soon. It starts with a diagnosis and whatever the final
outcome, cancer has a profound impact. Cancer’s reach is long, and its scars run deep.

So yes, celebrate the wins. Know that we have made a difference and recognize the progress we’ve made. But let’s not forget there is still so much more work to be done—and to be blunt, that work requires money. A lot of it. Let’s keep the momentum going and let’s double down on our commitment to seeing an end to cancer’s devastating reach.

I am LIVING PROOF and I ride with hope for the future.

I have set a personal goal of $11,000 as the PMC works it way towards the next billion dollar milestone. Please consider donating to my ride and supporting DFCI and the fight against cancer. Your donation is tax deductible and, because every penny matters, 100% of your donation goes directly to DFCI.

AND DOWN GOES CANCER!