Dear Friends and Family,
About 4-1/2 years ago, I was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma. If not for recently groundbreaking immunotherapy treatments, I would have been given six months to live. Thanks to the miracles performed by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), the cancer throughout my body was substantially gone in months. By every measure, this was somewhat miraculous. A clinical trial, 13 months of treatments and quarterly imaging and blood work have all been part of my timeline of care. Some occasional positive findings that subsequently disappeared due to my new and improved immune system have allowed me to celebrate every day that has been given to me since that initial diagnosis.
Cancer is a formidable opponent. I promised myself that I would never let it weigh me down, compromised by looking over my shoulder occasionally (especially when quarterly scans were coming up on the calendar), but would only move forward and embrace the day.
A few months ago, I noticed something under my skin that was definitely growing. Long story short, my cancer returned. At least this time, my immune system did not keep up. Surgery quickly removed the mass and cleared margins which also prompted some concern. Is that it? Hard to say, but DFCI has been in my corner every day, and despite the ‘fire drill’, I feel somewhat relieved, even though the final PET scan report has not yet been released (at the time I am writing this). As I just found out, it only takes one cancer cell to dodge my immune system. Perhaps the cancer will return, but I also know I am in good hands and have great support on so many levels.
This is not an Evite to a ‘pity party’. Rather, it is a continuing shout-out of thanks and immeasurable gratitude to all of you for supporting me year after year in raising money for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in its pursuit of patient care and cancer research.
And, with that out of the way…
Thank you for being ONE IN A BILLION! You are far more than just ONE because so many of you have been extremely generous over the decades in supporting me and the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) https://www.pmc.org/.
This year, the PMC will reach an(other) extraordinary milestone: raising over $1 Billion for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute since 1980.
As many of you know, my commitment to the PMC started in 1982, when a group of 246 riders and their sponsors raised $60,000 riding from Sturbridge to Provincetown over two days. Our goal has always been to raise money for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and while the commitment from so many has been unwavering, things have changed a bit over the decades.
42 consecutive PMC weekends translates into dozens of event T-shirts, jerseys/socks, and the Heavy Hitter bling saved from all of those years. Far more important are the continuing memories made with friends over the decades… many are more like my second family than acquaintances who like to ride bicycles. We have connected with Pedal Partners and their families, always part of our extended family, and have helped reinforce our commitment to this cause. It is hard to put into words just how important this weekend is to me, remaining a constant in my life regardless of any obstacles over the years that could have made the “challenge” a bit more challenging.
Since 1980, the PMC has raised $972 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) for groundbreaking cancer research and compassionate patient care. The PMC is Dana-Farber’s single largest supporter and is 62% of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue, the fundraising arm of DFCI.
The 2024 PMC fundraising goal has been set at $75 million; 100% of your tax-deductible donations go directly to DFCI/Jimmy Fund.
This will be my 43rd consecutive year riding the PMC, after losing my Mom in 1981 to thyroid cancer (very curable today); my mother-in-law who died of lung cancer in 1999 after beating breast cancer two previous times; then seeing my sister succumb to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2019 after an incredibly courageous battle. And this is just my immediate family. The names on my seat pack tag that are ALWAYS WITH US include everyone you want me to ride for as well. I often struggle with the loss of so many people over the years, but I also ride the PMC to celebrate those who have won their fight. The strength and courage that these people have shown continue to inspire us 'beyond words'. They are LIVING PROOF and confirm that we are making a difference. I remain COMMITTED to riding the PMC this year and EVERY year until a cure is found for all cancers.
My personal fundraising goal equals the number of years ridden, a benchmark I set in my 40th year, and with your help, we have been able to meet or exceed each year. I am hoping that with your generous support, my individual goal of $43,000 for 2024 will be realized. Our family has already donated half of my goal for this year. I now view this donation as a special co-pay/thank you to Dana-Farber for all they have done for me. It has translated into extra pages added to my personal calendar - - something I appreciate every day.
A portion of my total fundraising will be designated to Dr. Insco's melanoma research (my oncologist since October 2019). It is impossible to overstate the significant role that she has played in my life these past few years helping me deal with my cancer, as well as the aftermath associated with the treatments and ongoing monitoring, and more recently, what may require additional attention.
Once again, Team Huckleberry and I will begin our extended weekend at the NY/MA border riding the extra 100-mile Huck ride (August 2) to the traditional Sturbridge start, then on to Bourne on Saturday (August 3) and finishing at the Provincetown Inn on Sunday (August 4). In all, it's almost 300 miles of cycling across Massachusetts over three days. With all the registered cyclists and volunteers, and thousands of people cheering us on along the routes, we will be able to share that feeling of community with everyone on the PMC weekend!!
But wait, there's more! On September 28, I will also participate in my first PMC Unpaved (started in 2023), a gravel bike fundraising ride over the scenic back roads of the Berkshires in western Massachusetts. It does require me to raise a minimum of $1,500 and $4,000 for Summit Fundraiser status (similar to Heavy Hitter). Like all funds raised from any of the PMC events, we are closer by the mile to a cure.
Perhaps one day, cancer will no longer be in the conversation.
If you would like to sponsor me, please click on one of SUPPORT MY RIDE buttons on the left. If you would prefer to donate by check, please make your check payable to: Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, noting PMC ID: DG0011 in the lower corner,and mail it to:
Dave Grossman
132 Jackson Street
Newton Centre, MA 02459
Please include your email address so I can stay in touch with you after the event and the check presentation later in the year. Also, let me know if there is anyone you would like me to ride for so I can include their name on my seat pack tag. It is the most important thing I do on this long weekend in August, and again in September.
Together, we can help find a cure for cancer.
All the best,
Dave
