Why I ride.
On Saturday, August 2, 2025 I'll be riding in my second Pan Mass Challenge bike ride. This year, like last, I'm riding as a member of the Stem Cell Cyclists team. This team has been riding in the PMC since 2004 and had raised over 2 million dollars that go directly to Dana Farber's Stem Cell transplant program led by Dr. Corey Cutler.
I consider it a great privilege to be riding with such a wonderfully committed group of people. They all have a story of how cancer has affected their lives, and it is a testament to their selflessness on how much time, effort and sweat they've given to this cause.
This year my goal is to raise $4000.00 in donations. Last year, I was fortunate to have so many family, friends and fellow RHS Class of 71 Bulldogs step up and help me raise over $4000.00. Again, I thank you all! I thought of every one of you while I was grinding through the 98 degree heat/humidity. It was exhilarating as well as it was exhausting.
As a Living Proof rider, my story is similar to the over a thousand riders who have survived the gauntlet of cancer treatment. It is a life-changing experience to be sure, both as a patient and a rider.
On April 27, 2023 I was "transplanted" at Dana Farber by Dr. Cutler for Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This past April, I celebrated my 2nd birthday and have resumed my sweet life. The recovery was no joke, but it's in the rearview mirror and fading fast. My prognosis continues to look excellent. I continue to be thankful for the exquisite care provided to me from the transplant team at DFC, especially Dr. Cutler and my NP, Patricia Severns. I'm thankful to Dr. Jacqueline Garcia for her hard work in getting my into a clinical trial that cleared me for transplant. I'm still amazed on how quickly the whole process fell into place. I'm one of the fortunate ones, as many patients are not eligible for transplant. Grateful in the only word to describe my feeling at this point.
But, enough about me. As we all have all heard, public funding for cancer research is in jeopardy. DFC stem cell research draws much of its funding from the National Institute of Health. If that funding is cut, then crucial research stops. So, it's incumbent that we all dig a little deeper and donate as much as possible.
I'll also be riding to remember my Father, Ray Landreville and my Brother Sonny, who both passed away from the effects of blood cancer.
Thanks to my family, especially my wife Janice, who's been with me every step of the way. Plus, thanks to my old friends at VA Boston Healthcare and wonderful co-workers at South Shore Hospital. Your support has been greatly appreciated!
Please remember, all donations to the Stem Cell Cyclist team goes directly to DFC Stem Cell Transplant research. Thanks!!!
