For my first 14 PMC rides, I rode for others.  So many people battling cancer.  Too many people lost.  Overall, I raised over $200K for the Jimmy Fund.  It felt great to do my part.

In 2023, my 15th ride was for me.  In late June, I received an early breast cancer diagnosis.  Thankfully, it was caught very early and the prognosis was excellent.  The surgeon didn’t have an opening until August 1st, so I asked if I could schedule my lumpectomy the following week so that I could ride.  As you can see in the photo, I wore a sign that said:

• 6/22       Diagnosis
• 8/5+6   15th PMC
• 8/9          Surgery
• Get your mammograms!

The entire weekend was uplifting.  Thanks to the PMC, cancer wasn’t as scary to me.  The few people who passed me ? shouted encouragement.  Some dear friends who I see once a year in Bourne gave me huge hugs.  I went into surgery and my subsequent 20 days of radiation 100% positive and thankful for living in Boston and for the role I played in my own care.

I also raised a personal record of $23K toward our $72MM total thanks to the generous contributions of friends near and far.

So in August 2024, I will ride my 16th PMC and my first as a cancer survivor.  Most days I don’t think of myself as a “survivor.,” but I know I will think about it a lot over those 160 miles.  I will be honored to be part of 2024’s $1 BILLION effort.

Thanks for your support.

Xo
Dana