August 2, 2021

Dear Friends and Family,

I hope you are all safe and healthy. 

I just completed and a 40 mile bike ride this morning as part of my training for the 42nd Pan-Mass Challenge this weekend, August 7 -8th.   This will be ride number 30 since 1990 and my 23rd consecutive ride.   You’ve all been great partners in this endeavor with annual fundraising increasing annually from under $1,000 to over $11,000 a few years ago.   I am getting slower on the bike but still fit enough to pedal 192 miles the first weekend of August each year.   I confess that the time spent training is a bit of a chore especially as I get older but I remain motivated by friends who have lost loved ones to cancer and by the doctors, nurses, hospital workers and scientists who do the real work in making cancer patients into cancer survivors.   As someone who could not wait to get out of high school biology class I am glad to play a small part in helping advance the science towards better medical outcomes by riding a bike and asking my friends and family for continued financial support. 

While as a society we are living longer, cancer seems to come out of nowhere.   A recent striking example is my friend Dan’s son Christopher.   Dan sadly lost his wife to cancer many years ago and last year his son Christopher was diagnosed with adrenal cancer at age 32.  Christopher has undergone chemotherapy and radiation treatments and is now taking a pill that prevents the spread.  I am happy to report that less than a year since his diagnosis his health is stable.   As I have written about in the past this is another example of the research doing what is supposed to do.   

Others have not been so fortunate;  a recent conversation with a long time friend and business colleague Dave reminded me that sadly like Dan’s wife, Dave lost his first wife and mother to his two children to cancer many years ago as did my great friend Joe - all in their 40’s.   Sadly, there are too many occurrences to mention so I will just say that cancer survival rates have improved dramatically and I know now many survivors.  The research works!   It is with all of these people on my mind and in my heart that the hills of central Massachusetts will be my struggle but nothing to compared to the struggle these friends and loved ones have endured. 

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 community and athletic fundraising event that proves that community can make the difference.    Each year I am inspired by the cancer patients, survivors and the PMC riders, volunteers and supporters we connect with on the first weekend every August.    As a reminder, note that 100% of every dollar raised is donated to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute / Jimmy Fund.   Riders pay a registration fee covering their support costs.  

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.  I  ask 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

I hope to see you soon, be safe, be smart, don’t let your guard down and enjoy the rest of your summer!

Sincerely,

Dave

Personal PMC facts and figures include:

Since 1990 29 rides of 192 miles in two days.

Ride number 30 - 2021 August 7- Sturbridge to Sandwich - 120 miles, August  8 - Sandwich to Provincetown - 72 miles.

PMC miles after this ride = 5,760

Bicycles - 3

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.

Training miles at least 23,000.

Total Funds raised for the Jimmy Fund after this year ~ $135,000.

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