2024

Dear Family and Friends,

This will be my 23rd Pan Mass Challenge. Over the last few years, I have frequently thought that perhaps I am done riding. My body is feeling the effects of 5 major surgeries and I am well beyond my initial membership in AARP! But as has been the case over the past 23 years, I think about loved ones, friends and family who have heard their doctor say, “You have cancer” and I know I must continue to ride and most importantly raise funds for a cure.

I usually try to face hurdles in my life with hope and gratitude but right now I am angry and heartbroken. I just received the news from my dear friend and college roommate that she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Karen lost two beautiful cousins in the past few years to ovarian cancer and she became a warrior in supporting them and helping to fund a cure. It just does not seem possible that this is now happening to her and when I think about it, the tears just flow. I know she will face this head on and leave no stone unturned on her journey to restoring herself to full health. I will match her courage and grit and continue to raise funds for a cure. I will ride for Karen…

I am angry and heartbroken that my friend Phil’s stomach cancer has once again returned and he again is facing this evil disease that has robbed him and his family of so very much. He too is climbing this mountain with his trademark stubborn tenacity. If he can keep fighting, I can keep riding! I will ride for Phil…

I am angry and heartbroken that our dear pedal partner Grace and her family are still making the trek into Boston each week. At the tender age of 9, Grace is still receiving regular heavy doses of drugs that make her queasy and weak. She still has her spunk and is giving it her all. I will ride for Grace…

I am angry and heartbroken that my friend Kathy is no longer with us. I think of her often especially since her newest grandbaby was born. As I am about to become a grandmother myself, I am saddened that I will not be able to share this wonderful experience with my dear friend. I will continue to ride for Kathy and her loving memory.

These letters are so very hard to write as my emotions become raw but these stories of loved ones, yours, and mine, are what motivate me to keep going. The PMC is what will help me to turn my anger and tears into hope and gratitude and thus, I am asking you once again to join me in helping me to raise funds to find a cure. This year, the PMC is hoping to pass the 1-billion-dollar mark in funds given to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. 100% of every rider-raised dollar will go directly to Dana Farber.

If you are interested in supporting my ride, please log onto my personal profile page at https://profile.pmc.org/DM0158. You can donate via a credit card, DAF or Venmo. If you would prefer sending a check, please make it out to the Pan Mass Challenge and mail it to me at 6 Pheasant Lane Topsfield, MA 01983. Please check to see if your employer will match your donation as every dollar helps!

Trying hard to keep the hope alive,

Dolly