When I first joined the Pan Mass Challenge last year, 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’re about to raise 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 190 miles is nothing compared to the battle these two inspirational kids face every day.
There’s a memorable quote I heard during my first Pan Mass Challenge: “May be habit forming.” With all of the riders and volunteers coming back year after year, it’s easy to see how this amazing event becomes a habit. But as I pause to reflect on what the PMC means, I have come to realize that an even better way to say it is: “May Become a Tradition.” That’s what it feels like for me. Not only am I proud of all the returning riders, team members, and volunteers, but I am proud of my son Jack, who will begin his PMC tradition this year! I can’t wait for him to feel what I felt on my first ride, which was a bond like family, surrounded by thousands of riders with their own reasons to ride, and boundless inspiration to keep pedaling!
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. Help us break through that $1 Billion goal, so that breakthroughs in cancer research can keep saving lives! Thank you for your amazing support!
