2022 PMC

Dear Friends and Family,

I am writing this on July 16 2022 and I’m just back from a 25 mile training bike ride. I felt sluggish on the bike today. Admittedly, as a new cycling season starts in the spring and on days like today when it’s sunny and beautiful, when bike training feels more like a chore than a joy I ask myself if the PMC needs me for another year. After all PMC cyclist are now donating upwards of +$50m annually to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Is it enough? New friends Jim and Marcia recently shared their experience with cancer and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and help provide the answer.

Fifteen months ago Jim’s dermatologist noticed a growth on the side of his face; further inspection led to Jim being diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. So in the midst of a worldwide pandemic he spent the next 6 months having his wife Marcia drive him to Boston to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute where every 3 weeks he was provided with a backpack containing chemotherapy bags used to continuously (morning, day and night!) infuse his chemotherapy treatment into his arm for 6 days at a time. At the time of diagnosis Jim was given a 50/50 chance of survival and despite some scares along the way he remains in remission. Jim and Marcia cannot say enough positives about the Dana Farber Cancer Institute where each and every member of the Dana Farber team redefines the word “care”. They efficiently manage every imaginable logistical challenge of being a cancer patient with timely communication of each step of the treatment and care process. This is the reason a recent Newsweek/Statista survey of global medical professionals recognized Dana-Farber as one of the best oncology institutions in the world.

Not sure if its because I or we are getting older but stories like Jim and Marcia’s seem to be be all too common. We have another neighbor who sadly lost her husband to cancer and she is now riding the PMC in his memory. Just this week I learned of a long-time, healthy business colleague who was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and another who’s wife has breast cancer. These are stories that haunt me when I contemplate giving up my bike for another leisure activity because I occasionally feel sluggish while training or while questioning if the $10k I might raise will make a difference. So is +$50m enough? No it isn’t and we are on to ride number 31.

I will be 62 in couple of weeks and this being my 31st PMC I now have participated in this fundraising event with your help for half of my life. Every year I repeat the following: The most emotional sign along the route is that of a child survivor who was holding a sign that read I am 7 because of you - thank you. I have seen riders young and old - some 80+ years young. I have ridden along side riders with prosthetic legs and arms, others that appear to be new to riding long distances and would possibly be more comfortable walking instead of riding but they are there for the right reason. It is all so very, very inspiring.

The Pan Mass Challenge is worldwide, model athletic fundraising event that proves community makes the difference. Each year I am inspired by the cancer patients, survivors and the PMC riders, volunteers and supporters we connect with throughout the year and the first weekend every August.

This year our fundraising required minimum is $6,000 (when I started in 1990 it was $800) and I am in for $2,000 with a goal of $10,000. As a reminder, note that 100% of every dollar raised is donated to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. Riders pay a registration fee covering their support costs. I ask again for you to continue your generous support of the PMC. Please use the link below to make a contribution to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute / Jimmy Fund. Thank you again for all you have done over the years in supporting the PMC. You have made a huge difference.

http://pmc.org/egifts/DB0002

Hope to see you soon, be safe, be smart and enjoy the rest of your summer!

Sincerely,

Dave

Personal PMC facts and figures:

Since 1990 30 rides. Note that our route has changed slightly and the previous 192 mile route is now 186.

Ride number 31 - August 6 - Sturbridge to Mass Maritime Academy - 102 miles, August 7 - Bourne to Provincetown - 84 miles.

PMC miles after this ride = 5,946

Bicycles - 3 (number 3 is now unridable, reverting back to number 2).

Bicycle helmets - at least 5

Bicycle riding accidents - 3 serious that could have been worse - luckily only bumps, scrapes and bruises, bike and helmet damage. (2 caused by human jerks and one from a scurrying chipmunk).

Flat tires average about 0-2 per year (none so far this year!)

Training miles at least 24,000.

Total Funds raised for the Jimmy Fund after this year ~ $145,000.

Miracles - many surviving cancer patients cured of cancer because of your research funding. Thank you!