"Dear Friends and Family-

It is hard to believe but this will be my 20th year raising money for cancer research for Dana Farber Cancer Institute through the Pan Mass Challenge. It is 20 years since my first breast cancer diagnosis that brought me to this cancer-fighting mission. After a challenging year last year, with cancer surgery and bike accident, I am excited to mark my 20th year in what I hope is a return to normal. I am so grateful for all of the support I have had throughout my PMC fundraising years and both cancer journeys.

I am planning to ride in August and carry my 400+ names on my jersey. I am going back to my roots -- riding from Wellesley (Babson College) where I rode from my very first year. I will be joined my teammates -- Paula, Cindy and Laurie. Paula is a Living Proof rider and part of my funds this year are going to fight brain cancer in honor of her and many others I know who have battled this form of cancer, including in honor of my team's Pedal Partner for many years, Mason, and in memory of Adelia, The Wonder Girl--our team Pedal Partner who lost her battle last year.

The riding is the fun part but the fundraising is the most important part. Every dollar raised during the PMC supports finding a cure for cancer. All rider-raised money goes directly to fund research and programs at DFCI, and I pay all my own costs for registration, lodging and logistics. I ask for any donation, big or small, to help me reach my goal. Every dollar adds up and donations can be made by October 1st.

If you prefer to pay by check (written to the PMC/Jimmy Fund), they can be mailed to me at Diane Gibbins, 19 Tideview Drive, Dover, NH 03820.

Returning to normal includes sending or delivering a personal "thank you" to every donor, which I was unable to do last year as I did not have the bandwidth between recovery from surgery and a concussion. I am looking forward to connecting personally again.

I hate cancer and I am committed to doing this one small thing to help people living with it. I know there are many worthwhile causes to support. This one truly means the world to me and so many others. Let's do this together!

Best,

Diane