Year Three! When I first joined the Pan Mass Challenge 2 years ago I thought that I knew so much. I thought I knew how many people around me were impacted by Cancer. I thought I knew what this event does for so many that are battling this disease. I thought I knew what it meant to be part of an amazing team. And I thought I knew what generosity and sacrifice was. What I learned is that this disease is so much bigger and more terrible than I ever knew. I learned that there are so many people that I know that have battled alone in silence. I learned that this entire region comes together like no other place on Earth to fight together. I learned that my team, and so many others have done the impossible over and over again. I am overwhelmed by your support. I am overwhelmed by the personal sacrifice made by the riders and volunteers. I am overwhelmed by the staggering $1 Billion we’ve already raised for cancer research. Once again, I have the honor of riding with my good friends in Team Kermit. I have a deep connection to my fellow teammates, but now, I have an even deeper connection to our pedal partners. Tilley and Addie are two of the bravest kids you’d ever meet. Despite battling cancer, they are out there cheering us on, they are out there raising awareness, and they are a huge reason I am proud to ride again! 2 days and 192 miles is nothing compared to the battle these two inspirational kids face every day.
This year, among all the other things that make this ride special, there are two that I want to tell you about. First thing was teased in the headline. Yes, this year's ride will be the final ride from Sturbridge. One final time to ride beneath that big beautiful American flag over Route 20. One more time for that first big hill to try to defeat me. One more time to see all the PMC jerseys of the past displayed throughout the hotel. One more school bus ride to the starting line. One more time. And this time is more important than ever. With research funding coming to a halt, we all have to do more to make sure that the research continues, and make sure that one day nobody else has to lose their lives because of cancer.
The second thing that makes this year so special is that this time, my son Jack is riding side by side with me. This time, he will struggle over the same hills and feel the elation of crossing that finish line after 192 miles.
Once again, I am asking for your help. I have been training, and preparing, so my legs will make the journey. I am honored and humbled by the generosity of so many of you. Please consider giving, no matter how much, to this incredible cause that has saved so many lives. Now more than ever it is vital that breakthroughs in cancer research can continue and we can keep saving lives! Thank you for your amazing support!
