Dear Family and Friends,

I am thrilled to be riding in my 15th Pan Mass Challenge (PMC). I am so proud and overjoyed to have my son, Ben, joining my brother, Peter, my nephew, Ryan, and myself in his first ever PMC. It is certainly not an easy feat for a 15 year old to bike 162 miles and raise $6,000. With his determination, I know the wind will be at his back! Together, we hope to surpass $275,000 in lifetime fundraising for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI).

Sadly, last year we faced major challenges and were dealt a terrible blow due to cancer. As you may remember, there were three people in my family that were diagnosed with cancer within the same month. My father-in-law, Tom Targonski, my aunt, Kayellen Moran, and my mother, Susan Richardson.

Tom was a tremendous loss for our family. While time can certainly help with the healing process, I often times find myself still looking to talk to him. It would probably be about his grandkids…as you know, you can only truly boast about your kids to their grandparents. But at least now it is easier to smile and laugh when thinking or talking about him. Tom, himself, was a 5 year volunteer for the PMC.

This brings me to Kayellen. She is battling cancer for the second time at DFCI. Her treatment and care at DFCI has been phenomenal. I know great things are on the horizon for Kayellen. Her positivity radiates through her phone calls, texts, emails and when you see her in person. Her attitude is such a gift, she can light up a room and any person that she comes in contact with. Kayellen volunteered last year at the PMC.

Now to my mother, or as her grandkids call her, Granny. We often talk about “Granny’s grit”. There isn’t a more apt phrase to describe her, a three-time cancer survivor. While everyone knows as a caring sweet person, it takes a little bit of “grit” to be called a three-time cancer survivor. Fortunately, she has that in spades! She has always set a great example with her quiet confidence and determination. There has been no greater supporter or cheerleader of the PMC than my mom.

This is why I ride in the PMC. Cancer touches everyone. Although we are making significant advances in cancer treatments and detections, we still have a long way to go and we need your help.

All of you have been extremely generous in the past and I once again humbly ask for your support.

If you would like to donate to my ride please click on the following link: www.pmc.org/egifts/CR0120

If you prefer to mail a check, please make it out to PMC and mail it to me at: 5 Jersey Lane, Middleton MA 01949.

Every donation matters. 100% of your donation goes directly to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute & The Jimmy Fund. The PMC passes along the donation with NO administrative costs taken out. This is extremely uncommon in the charitable world. If you are thinking of donating to cancer research, please donate to me or another PMC rider. All of your money reaches the cause.

We have all been affected by cancer and the PMC provides such a wonderful opportunity to help. I cannot express how grateful I am for your support and how inspirational the PMC is to me and thousands of others. THANK YOU!!

Sincerely,

Chris Richardson