In February 2017, I learned that I had breast cancer, a diagnosis that roughly one in eight women will receive. And, after surgery and roughly six months of treatment, I feel fortunate to be among the more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the US. My good fortune was made possible by a tremendous amount of research over the course of decades that informed the benefits of early detection, effective treatment regimens and maintenance therapies. For too many cancers, especially those considered rare, early detection and clear treatment pathways remain elusive and demand more research.

Unfortunately, as a family, we have faced this reality. In April 2018, my husband, Ted, was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. After a grueling and hard fought battle, he passed away in November 2018. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to find early because patients typcially begin experiencing symptoms only when the disease has spread. The majority of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, leading to very poor survival rates.

For those unfamiliar, the PMC is a two day ride across Massachusetts to raise money for cancer research. I chose this event because 100% of dollars raised go directly to cancer care and research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I first rode the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) in 2018, initially as a way to celebrate my “living proof” status (‘living proof’ that research can lead to life saving early detection and cancer treatments) and ultimately to fund breakthrough research for pancreatic cancer, a cause that will forever remain close to my heart.

I need your help to reach my fundraising goals, but more importantly, to fund more research into tools for early detection and better treatment options for pancreatic cancer. Any contribution large or small, is greatly appreciated and will help us get “closer by the mile” to finding more cures for cancer.

Thank you!