I have always been intrigued to ride in the Pan-Mass Challenge, however the fundraising goal was daunting . That all changed when I got a diagnosis of Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma, and saw first hand the research studies and clinical trials funded by PMC funds.

Going through the emotions of a cancer diagnosis was difficult. Since it affects the immune system I put my life on hold until I could see an oncologist. I was advised to seek out a specialist in this specific disease, and that led me to Dana Farber.

At Dana Farber, I met with Dr Matthew Davids and learned that I do not need treatment, and only need to be periodically monitored for now. It is a slow growing disease, so hopefully I will never need treatment. Is essentially the same disease as CLL, which my father had for decades and never needed treatment. Dr Davids is the director of clinical research and the associate director of the CLL Center. His team makes a difference.

I got my life back at this first appointment; I don't need to live in a bubble, and have confidence that treatment (if needed) will be available, and as the years go on, more and better treatments have become available. In fact I enrolled in two research studies about SLL/CLL.

And at the end of my appointment with Dr Davids, I was invited to consider joining his PMC team. I was honored, and immediately joined. Team FLAMES (Fast Legs And Minds Ending Suffering) is a team of doctors, nurses, patients and families. 100% of the funds raised go directly to research at Dana Farber. The team has been in existence for 25 years and they have raised 12.3 million for cancer research. Their research has led to a breakthrough therapy that was FDA approved in 2016 called Venetoclax for treatment of CLL.

Since its founding in 1980, PMC riders like me have raised more than $1 billion for lifesaving cancer research, treatment and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, one of the country's top cancer care hospitals.

Thank you for helping me to reach my fundraising goal of $6000. If you would like me to ride in honor or memory of a loved one, please let me know. I will pin their name to my jersey for my ride.

Thank you!

Please check out these links below:

Dr Davids - WBZ news about “the power of PMC” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4IJM5xllyE

Where the PMC money goes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71N4jmsQ7Qc