Dear Friends and Cycle for Colby Supporters,
It’s hard to believe, but this August marks my 13th (and final) Pan-Mass Challenge ride, and I've been incredibly lucky to celebrate 12 years cancer-free.
Back in 2013, I never could have imagined what the next decade would bring: 13 PMC bike rides, over $491,000 raised for Dana-Farber, and an extraordinary community of friends and family who’ve been “along for the ride.” Whether that's been one donation, one ride, or years of support, we couldn't have done any of this without you and greatly appreciate those who have been with us for this entire journey.
As I reflect on the past decade plus, I'd like to take you on an abridged version of the PMC ride (and a few life milestones along the way):
PMC Mile 1: That first mile flies by and there's so much energy from riders as well as volunteers and supporters. Early in every ride, my mind always drifts back to the early days of treatment. I remember sitting in St. Paul’s Chapel in January 2013 with a newly purchased wig and a hat to cover the hairline edges. When I was told by one of the custodians I had to take my hat off, I was so self-conscious and embarrassed by how I looked at the time; however, by the end of the school year, my confidence (and hair) grew as I became far less concerned about how I looked and more grounded in how far I’d come. I still think about that often... and the fact that I wasn’t allowed to have any chocolate during treatment. My post-chemo celebration was the biggest chocolate fudge brownie sundae they had at Beach Hill Farm (with chocolate sprinkles). Best dessert I've ever had to this day – photo from my final infusion day below!
PMC Mile 25: We roll into the parking lot at Gillette Stadium. At this point, I usually ask my dad several times if he's had enough Gatorade. There's always a joke about quitting here and hopping in my mom’s car but after a photo op, we're back on the road. About halfway through Cycle for Colby's existence, we were disrupted by COVID – but we still rode in 2020 (remotely) and raised over $16,000 that year. Tess Pellegrini and I biked up and down the west side of Manhattan on Citi bikes in our Cycle for Colby shirts and my then-boyfriend (now fiancé) Jake took a 7am Flywheel class in solidarity. Even when the world paused, our ride continued.
PMC Mile 50: We pass signs honoring patients, and I spot my mom in her bright green shirt cheering us on as we cross the finish line. It's always the same half-mile stretch to finish the day and there's so much familiarity (especially with that last hill), but I'm reminded of all that's changed & unfolded since our first ride – teammates have become graduates, spouses, parents, and retirees (still waiting my turn on that one!). What started as Cycle for Colby has become so much more, and I know many people riding with us today are cycling for a family member or close friend. Looking back at the past decade... we've tried to catch Pokémon in the wild, debated whether a dress was black & blue or white & gold, freed Britney, lived through a pandemic, and became AI-assisted writers. And today, I’m 12 years cancer-free – and engaged!! If you told 17-year-old me that this would be her future, she wouldn't have believed you – and she would be thrilled to know that she's eating chocolate every night years later!
This year, we’re hoping to hit one last milestone: $500,000 grand total raised for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber/Jimmy Fund Clinic. We've set the bar high but they don't call it a Challenge for nothing. On August 3rd, I’ll be riding one last time for Team Cycle for Colby alongside an impressive group (including my dad). I would be honored to have your support once again; I don’t take your generosity for granted. If you've already donated to my dad, thank you from the bottom of my heart. To all our donors and riders, you’ve helped make this story possible and this ride and this chapter means everything to me. Excited for the road ahead.
With love and gratitude,
Colby
