Why I Ride ...
In 1999 I rode in my first PMC on a mountain bike with my friend Katrine.
My first ride was dedicated to my cousin Charlie, who lost his brief battle to pancreatic cancer that same year. I still think of our last conversation months before the ride when he asked what he needed to do, and when I said 'nothing,' he responded with 'just stay alive, right?!'
A few years ago, my mom, Dottie, was diagnosed with uterine cancer. She became the first member of our family to win the battle against cancer. If you knew my mom, you would have no doubt she'd be the one. Just as my mom was recovering, my Aunt Helen hosted 20 people for Christmas Eve dinner (her usual). Shortly after, she was brought to the hospital where she briefly battled an aggressive glioma, a brain tumor. If you knew my aunt, you would have no doubt that she would have wanted to join my mother in her victory. Unfortunately, there was no cure for her diagnosis.
In most recent years, two of my closest friends Ellen and Maureen underwent surgery & treatment to overcome breast cancer. Both have recovered well and will continue to live healthy with their families. After being a virtual rider for the last four years, I plan to make a "comeback" this summer and proudly ride in honor of my brave friends & family.
After a decade of rides, I am still taking responsibility to support the fight to find a cure for all forms of cancer. Please join me and make a contribution. Your efforts will support the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - where the most reserach is devoted to finding a cure for cancer.
Although my life continues to go in many positive directions, I will always be affected by the sadness of this disease. I have learned that we are smart enough to find a cure for all forms of cancer. I have also learned, the hard way, that we can't change our family's genetics, but we can fight to find a cure for a disease that threatens our future.
Since 1980, the PMC has raised over $235 million towards finding a cure for all forms of cancer, and is considered the most successful cycling fundraiser in the nation.
Please consider making a donation to help researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute continue their work.
Thank you for your support today and in the past. Since my first ride, friends and family like you have helped raise close to $30,000!
Every bit counts! Please donate your "bit."
Chrissy
My thoughts and efforts are in the memory of
Charlie Skowronek
Loretta Skowronek (Aunt Loretta)
Helen Sullivan (Aunt Helen)
Anne Hunter (Aunt Anne)
Regina Mislick (Grammy)
Bill Phinney
Lisa Santacrose
Lucille (Pat) Buoncristiano
John Drews
Claudette Knight
Michael Richard Donovan
Cecilia Freemantle
Maurice TessierAnthony ManziYaowei ShaoSue RosenCarol HookVirginia SteinMaureen LearyStirling Winder
....and for the continued strength & recovery of
Dorothy Savastano (my mom)
Ellen Loura
Maureen Holmes
Lilly Ascenzo
Dina Boncek
Jacquelyn Crocker
Anne Louise ManziMatt WarrenDeb HagenBrent HopkinsGail McKenzieStanley SkowronekFlo Skowronek
