When I signed up to ride the PMC, I didn't even own a bike. So, why would I sign up for 192-mile bike ride? Because no challenge within our control is insurmountable. Two years ago, on my youngest daughter's 3rd birthday, I was overweight, tired, had a persistent sprained ankle and plantar fasciitis in both feet. I was on the verge of just accepting this as my new normal, but I chose a different path... Starting with incremental changes, I committed myself to health and fitness, losing nearly 40 pounds, working up to running over 5 miles every day, and being stronger and healthier than I've been at any point in my life. When I was approached about participating in the Pan-Mass Challenge with Team Courage/Coneheads, it seemed like it was meant to be.
As it has for so many others, cancer has left a permanent mark on my family's lives. For me, it began around the age of 12, when a childhood friend of mine was diagnosed with Leukemia that was discovered from a tooth ache that wouldn't get better. Shortly thereafter, my grandmother was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. While my childhood friend made it through her battle, I lost my grandmother to the disease. Since that time, countless friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers went through their own cancer battles, several of which succumbed to the illness. Two of those included my husband's uncle and godfather, as well as my husband's father, whom we lost one month before our wedding having never gotten a chance to see his family grow and meet is two granddaughters.
There were success stories too. Several friends and family members not only survived their ordeal but have come out of it more determined and stronger, including my mother-in-law, who is a breast cancer survivor.
My husband and two daughters live with the potential shadow of cancer in their genetic make-up, but it shouldn't have to define them. I will complete the 192-mile ride because my daughters need to see that no matter what, a large part of their health and well-being is within their control. 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. My hope is that someday, if cancer decides to rear its ugly head in the lives of my friends and family, the cure will also be within in their control... because no challenge within our control is unsurmountable.
I am committed to crossing the finish line, but I can't do it without your help. Please consider a donation supporting my ride, Team Courage/Coneheads and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
