Ellen Cohen-Kaplan's PMC

This will be my 16th year of PMC involvement, with the first one in 2006. As we get older, we truly appreciate the limits of control we have over many things, and because of that, I believe we live life with more gusto. Since Jeff's 2 heart attacks, and my ulcerative colitis diagnosis 31 years ago, we try to make every day count. This year, we are especially grateful for our health, and for the fact we can still contribute to the worthy cause of helping others deal with the effects of cancer. We are also reminded just how out of control we are of external circumstances, and feel obligated to do what we can to help those most vulnerable to COVID-19. This past year has been an especially challenging one for so many of us, and we mourn the loss of so many people who succumbed to Covid-19. This year we recommit to helping others overcome and/or deal with sickness through helping raise funds to fight cancer.

As you know, I love to exercise and be active. My background as an occupational therapist and personal fitness trainer make this endurance biking somewhat of a natural progression, albeit a challenging one. The real impetus for this ride comes from my 2 sisters and father, who are near and dear to my heart. Both my sisters had breast cancer, and my father had prostate cancer, and they're all cancer-free now, thanks to new research and treatment techniques that have been aided by the Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Since I began riding in 2006, we've lost more relatives and friends to cancer, and know more people who are fighting it. Two years ago, we lost our friend, John Dragat to brain cancer, although he fought bravely for the year and half after his diagnosis before he succumbed. My dear cousin Sandra, a wonderful, spirited soul died of cancer 10 years ago, and it's her memory and my family's honor that motivates me to ride. Last year, another of my dear sisters, Shelly, was diagnosed with breast cancer, and is doing well, thankfully. Also, a beloved member of our Weston COA exercise group, Barbara Solakian succumbed to cancer after a brave 2 year battle that she fought with grace and fortitude and inspired all who knew her. The sense of helplessness we feel over this disease is ameliorated by our ability to raise funds to contribute to some of the groundbreaking research that has happened over the past few years. A few years ago, Joyce Zakim asked if we'd be interested in riding for the Zakim Center for Integrated Therapies in honor of her late husband, Lenny. Jeff and I were happy to join the Zakim team, whose center focuses on complementary and compassionate care for people being treated for cancer. To learn more about the Center, go to the Zakim center link at the bottom of this page.

Although I'm used to trying to help others reach their potential through rehabilitation and fitness training, fundraising presents a whole new challenge for me. I feel strongly about the cause, and I'm impressed with the administration of the Pan-Mass ride in that 100 % of every dollar given goes directly to cancer research. Also, the median age of the riders is 45, so I don't feel absolutely crazy for doing this when I'm 60! Thanks again for your interest and support and I truly appreciate your contribution.

With love and gratitude,

Ellen

My Links

Zakim Center information

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Why I PMC
Gallery

Why I Ride ...

Dear friends and family,

With love and gratitude,

Ellen

My Links

Zakim Center information

My Supporters

Lynn Parrish Sutton Yay Ellen!	$25.00
parrish rice	$50.00
Brooke Meltzer
Linda and Andy Kushner Best of luck on your ride, Ellen and Jeff!! Enjoy every mile :) xo Andy & Linda	$120.00
Anonymous Go Ellen! ??Mimi
Mindy and Max Peckler Go Ellen Go!	$180.00
Cheryl Cohen Go Auntie Ellllleeeen, go! Fly like the wind, love you!
Beth Israel You are remarkable!
Arlene and William Petri
Martin Katz Good luck on the ride. Hope it is safe for you and Jeff.
Barbara Litwin Thanks for being an inspiration!! You go girl!	$100.00
Toby Farman I applaud your fabulous efforts in support of cancer research . Best of luck
debra doncov	$100.00
Amy Cornblatt Ellen, Good luck with your ride! Amy
Debra and Eric Ruder Thanks for riding to support this fabulous organization!	$50.00
Gail Spector Have a safe a wonderful ride! Love, Gail
Karen Capraro Thanks for riding, girlfriend! Love you! ox
Ilene Stellar
maggie bruck
Sally Cohen Go Ellen!
Laura Chess Here's to Ellen-Motek- for keeping her wheels spinning always to help raise money and awareness for cancer. xoxo
Priscilla Wilcox Good luck Ellen Go girl!	$30.00
Anonymous Go Ellen!! Kit and Lynne PMC: Please credit gift to James Kitendaugh and Lynne Cavanaugh
BILL and JOAN PIACENTINI Go, Ellen, go!	$20.00
Susan Ernst Ellen, so wonderful and important that you do this year after year. May you have good weather and lovely scenery.	$100.00
Laura Gilman
Anonymous GO ELLEN GO!!	$100.00
Jackie Greene
Constance WARK Thank you, Ellen. You will ride in memory of a young and spirited soul who died too soon. Wishing you continued strength, endurance, and joy. You're an inspiration to us all.
Judy Courchine Thank you, Ellen, for your continued energy to fight this disease and support the many lives that have been saved through cancer research.
Anonymous	$50.00
Susan Werbe Thank you for all that you do, including this important ride. May your ride be cool and dry!
Mikele Rauch onward. stay cool and dry enough to get to the end. love Mikele
Meryl Lindenberg
Anonymous	$100.00
Ann Ross	$50.00
cheryl chernack Ellen, I am so impressed by everything you accomplish. Have a safe ride and thank you for your inspirational classes! cheryl chernack	$100.00
ROBERTA WEINSTEIN Have a safe and easy ride for this worthy cause.I am so impressed with your energy!
Martha Wright Keep on spinning!!!	$200.00
Patrese Pierson You continue to inspire. Thank you for taking on this challenge year after year.
Deborah Turney Ellen, wishing you a safe and strong ride,,, "May the Force be with you" Deb
Fredda Zaiger Thanks Ellen!	$100.00
Janet Cutler
Elizabeth Schaefer
Marilyn and Mitch Ross Have a super ride for a super cause.
Frances Clark Thanks for riding for this great cause Ellen and Jeff. Hope the weather is good to you.	$100.00
Judith Richland Ellen you are so amazing!!! I hope we get to see you and Jeff when you ride to Provincetown!!! Sending you lots of love, Judy	$100.00
Marianne Doernis-Goldman
Judith Zorfass Thank you for riding and being an inspiration to those of us lucky enough to exercise with you. Best wishes for a safe and strong ride.
Joan Parrish	$30.00
Lynne Lipcon
Jean Connelly
Anonymous	$120.00
Rebecca Callow Dear Ellen and team -we wish you the best on your ride and are so impressed that you continue to ride for cancer. Fingers crossed for good weather, and we'll look forward to hearing about adventures!	$250.00
Jodi Raphael So happy to support you and this wonderful cause! Jodi & Gabe
Louise Brown Wishing you energy and strength to achieve your goals on this ride. I am proud to be one of your devoted supporters. Hope it is an "easy" trip. I learned a lot reading your piece on why you do this.
Muriel Sypek
Marion Nesbit You're an inspiration, Ellen! Thank you for all you do. Wishing you and Jeff cool breezes and bountiful energy as you pedal your way across the Cape, Marion
Susan Allain Ellen, your commitment to this cause year after year is admirable. I wish you strength and safety on your rides.
Anonymous Ellen.... good luck, great cause and, of course, I know you will do great! Elaine Edelberg
Eileen Schaubert	$300.00
Chris Stokes
Maria Cox A wonderful Zoom class, Ellen. Thanks! May the hills be kind to you and you have the energy to enjoy the views.	$250.00
Andrea Pergament To my friend and inspiration, I thank you for your wonderful exercise classes, and for our friendship. Andi	$250.00
Bonnie Rosenberg You are inspirational in your determination and your training and your friendship. Thank you for all that you do to build community and broker kindness and healing.	$100.00
Deborah Doktor Ellen & Jeff - Wishing both of you a safe ride through beautiful parts of our state. So happy to support both of you for such an important cause. Love, Deb

My History

2021	$12,829.00	Reimagined
2020	$10,274.00	Wellesley to Provincetown Monument (2-Day)
2019	$10,261.10	Wellesley to Provincetown Monument (2-Day)
2018	$9,268.00	Wellesley to Provincetown Monument (2-Day)
2017	$7,882.00	Wellesley to Provincetown Monument (2-Day)
2016	$7,500.00	Wellesley to Provincetown Monument (2-Day)
2015	$7,200.00	Wellesley to Provincetown Monument (2-Day)
2014	$6,991.40	Wellesley to Provincetown Monument (2-Day)
2013	$6,837.84	Wellesley to Provincetown Monument (2-Day)
2012	$4,460.00	Wellesley to Provincetown Monument (2-Day)
2011	$3,265.00	Wellesley to Bourne (1-Day, Sat)
2010	$50.00	PMC Fundraiser
2009	$4,205.00	Wellesley to Provincetown Monument (2-Day)
2008	$4,660.00	PMC Rider
2007	$0.00	PMC
2006	$3,524.00	Wellesley to Provincetown Monument (2-Day)