I'm a proud supporter of the Pan-Mass Challenge because it is leading a charge to beat cancer. In fact, last year 100% of rider-raised revenue went directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure.
Most of you know that my wife, Cathy has raised thousands of dollars for the Dana Farber years before our son-in-law Kerim Hadzi was diagnosed with leukemia. Kerim passed away 5 years ago and I decided to join Cathy and the FLAMES to ride and raise money for the Dana Farber. (FLAMES = Fast Legs and Minds Ending Suffering) Last year alone, the FLAMES raised over $1 million for the Dana Farber. My goal in 2025 is $10,000. On August 2nd and 3rd I will ride my bike 180 miles with 5,000+ other PMC riders, from Wellesley to Provincetown to raise money to fund cancer research and treat patients.
Kerim lived most of the last 10 months of his life receiving treatment and recovering at the Dana Farber. The care and compassion from everyone at the Dana Farber was truly amazing. I need to thank all the doctors and nurses for all the attention, communication, and sympathy for those grueling and emotional 10 months. Many of these impressive people ride and raise money for the Dana Farber and many ride for team FLAMES--including Kerim's leukemia doctor.
Kerim leaves behind his wife, Tiffany, and 2 young boys--Eddie (14) and Mason (11). As you can see from my photo gallery, Kerim was a Boston Police Officer. Kerim made Detective while receiving treatment at the Dana Farber. Kerim arrived in the United States with his mother, father, and sister as immigrants from war-torn Bosnia in 1996. No one in his family could speak a word of English. Kerim's short life has a pronounced history of personal and professional achievements that few can duplicate.
Will you donate in Kerim's honor? For the sake of of those being treated, and those who may be afflicted with cancer? I'LL MATCH EVERY DONATION, UP TO $500, UNTIL MY $10,000 GOAL IS REACHED!
You generosity is genuinely appreciated.
David
