Dear Friends, Family, & Colleagues
This August I will be cycling my 8th 192 mile Pan Mass Challenge ride for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. I have been passionate about the fight against cancer for as long as I can remember. My father is a 16-year PMC’er and he got me involved at age 7 participating in the Kids PMC that he helped run. When I was 15, I started riding/fundraising for the “Adult” PMC and I have ridden the full 192-mile route since. I am excited to be riding alongside my father Michael, sister Taylor & her boyfriend Matt.
At the start of my PMC journey, I rode and raised money to honor friends & family who have been impacted by cancer. I had not personally been affected by cancer until 2018 when my older sister Taylor was diagnosed with late Stage III Hodgkin's Lymphoma. For the next two 1/2 years I watched Taylor fight for her life as she underwent intensive cancer treatments.
In August, 2019, after more than 6 months of chemotherapy and daily radiation, Taylor embarked on her 7th Pan Mass Challenge. She completed the 192 miles beside me, with little to no training, and a weakened body that had just fought through intense cancer treatment. It came as no surprise that Taylor would undertake this endeavor with perseverance and strength, like every challenge she has faced. Finishing the 2019 PMC next to my older sister was one of the most emotional & proud moments of my life.
August 2019 did not mark the end of Taylor’s battle with lymphoma and an invasive biopsy in 2020 proved that she had treatment resistant lymphoma-ultimately leading to a stem cell transplant in the midst of the pandemic.
Finally, after a long and hard fight, Taylor had her first clean scan in September 2021 & has been in good health since!
This will be my second year biking the PMC alongside a living proof rider. Taylor is the exemplar of the progress made through raising funds for cancer research and treatment. In fact, one of Taylor's cutting edge Chemotherapy drugs underwent clinical trials at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
Today, I ride for the millions of people affected by cancer. Cancer doesn't discriminate, and we are all affected by it. The PMC donates 100% of the contributions made from riders like me to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute to fund its research, drug development and treatment efforts.
Thank you in advance to anyone who decides to contribute to my PMC!
With Positive Energy,
Daniella Chinitz
