Dear Friends and Family,

This year will be my third-year riding with Slalom, supporting Dana Farber and the Jimmy Fund, as a fundraiser and PMC 100-mile rider. 2024 is a monumental year for the PMC as it’s on track to cross the $1 Billion mark for total funds raised by the event. That level of charity is only possible because of people like you supporting the cause over the years.

As many of you know, I’m passionate about the PMC because I had my own personal experience with cancer. In early 2020, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Complicating matters, I contracted Covid-19 before I could fully receive treatment, placing me in uncharted and rather frightening territory. Fortunately, my care team at Dana Farber took all the necessary steps to thoroughly understand my case. They conducted extensive testing in advance and developed a plan that allowed me additional time before surgery. I truly believe that the hard work and funds raised for cancer research by PMC riders played a significant role in my recovery.

Sadly, over the past two years, I've seen more friends and their families impacted by cancer. Some have sought treatment at Dana Farber, where they’ve received the same incredible care and support that I did. Their stories further motivate me to ride and raise funds for this vital cause.

I am also incredibly proud to ride with Slalom. While our team is smaller this year, our commitment to supporting the PMC remains strong. Every dollar raised goes directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, making a significant impact on the fight against cancer.

Many of you know how much I love to ride bikes. I like to think that the pearl white, Schwinn LeTour I got when I was ten years old was my first real ticket to freedom, and then it became my ticket to the swim team, friends’ houses, the beach, work, drivers ed, etc. As I’m training for this year’s 100-mile ride, I’m now thinking that my bike is my ticket to pay it forward - as riding for PMC and raising funds for cancer research means I get the opportunity to do something I love while giving back to Dana Farber.

Any support, monetary or emotional, you can give would be immensely appreciated! Thank you for your consideration and Happy Summer!

Warm regards, Dawn Zencka