This year, for the first time, Ill be riding the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) to support the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. The Pan-Mass Challenge is a Massachusetts-based bike-a-thon that raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the country. Always held the first weekend in August, the PMC raises funds for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world leader in adult and pediatric cancer treatment and research.
Why It's important to me
In August of 2023, I was diagnosed with bile duct and liver cancer. After several months of not feeling 100% and having some abdominal pains and discomfort, a CT scan revealed several large tumors in my abdomen. Working with the teams at Brigham and Women's and Dana Farber, I began treatment in September 2023.
As a new cancer patient, I have new-found perspective on how much cancer can change your life. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in 2 males will develop cancer in their lifetime, while 1 in 3 females will develop cancer. Given this prevalance, its almost assured that most people will be impacted either directly or indirectly in their lifetime.
It's critical to support continued research into finding ways to detect and diagnose, treat and prevent cancer. The Pan-Mass Challenge, for me, is an opportunity to:
- - Empower myself to invest in my health (both physical and mental)
- - Set some goals to keep me focused on my health while I continue treatment
- - Contribute back to the treatment community that has supported me thus far and will continue to support me going forward
- - Make progress towards a world where this disease can be more successfully treated, managed or prevented
Why your support matters
With 100% of the rider-raised funds going directly to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, your support will go directly to the research and treatment provided to cancer patients, with a common goal of finding a cure for cancer. Every dollar provided will make progress in pursuing novel detection and identification, advancements in techology to provide new treatment options and preventative measures.
Thank you, in advance, for supporting this mission along with me and my family and friends!
