*PMC 2021--- Ready to Roll*

.

July 14, 2021

Dear PMC friends and loyal sponsors,

20 years ago today, my PMC “Pedal Partner”, Drew Drifmeyer, lost his battle with a rare form of brain cancer, at 2 yrs.,10 months old. While Drew and I only met once with a visit of mine in the Jimmy Fund Clinic at Dana Farber, our families’ hearts have been intricately entwined ever since. We share a bond that is hard to articulate and it’s ok because we don’t need words to understand the depth and breadth of our relationship. It’s a feeling just like so much of the unspoken parts of the PMC that resonate within and between us, and glues our hearts together.

It’s not just about the miles and the training, and the riding the first weekend in August, or reimagined to best suit one’s situation. It’s not just about that weekend. The PMC is in our hearts and souls 365/365. It’s a lifestyle and lifeline simultaneously for innumerable people who are an integral part of the PMC in myriad ways; patients, survivors, caregivers, riders, volunteers, sponsors, donors, well wishers, doctors and nursing staff, researchers...to name a few of countless. Wearing a PMC jersey is a coveted right of passage and with it comes an instantaneous connection to fellow riders and volunteers and the PMC community at large. We know we are part of a team and mission that has a 41 yr history steeped in dedication, commitment and hard work on and off the bike. We are grounded in a belief and trust that our collective efforts are making a difference to tame those insidious cancers and are raising funds paramount to providing the best treatments possible for all patients facing a cancer journey.

While I train and pedal and fundraise, in honor and memory of so many, I carry each of you, my amazing sponsors, in my heart and over the miles each and every time I set off on my bike. We have all been hugely affected by cancer. We have all lost friends and family and loved ones and shared in trying cancer journeys. We are blessed to know and pray for survivors; a community we so hope to witness growing exponentially. We pray for remissions and kicking even the worst cancers out of the bodies of our loved ones and the Park, forever. We dream, we pray, we pedal, we work together. We raise funds and come together now to show our unwavering support of Dana-Farber as we reach once again for a world without cancer. THE PMC=HOPE.

Thank you sincerely for your support through the years. I am blessed with all of you on my team and wholeheartedly feel WE ARE ONE. Since 1980, we have raised $767 million for Dana Farber Cancer institute, with 100% going to cancer research and treatment. With your incredible support, I roll into year #29, having raised $274,504. Can you guess what my goal is for my 30th? :)

I hope you will join in support once again, knowing I am/we are a powerful vehicle for all of us to make a difference together with cancer. Donations can be made here or you are welcome to send a check made out to; PMC, to my home;

14 Abenaqui Dr

York, Maine 03909

Due to a physical challenge, I will not know until August 6,7 and 8, how far I will pedal. Last year, yes indeed, I surprised myself! I do know I cannot pedal with a large group and I hope to return to the NH seacoast which is safe and beautiful.

I am riding in honor and memory of so very many loved ones. This year I dedicate my ride especially to Lucy, to Wendy G. to Margaret , to Nancy R. , to Ethan and to Tag and Gwen. And I ride in memory of Peter M , Uncle Jay and Henry. And, Abby P., Ginger, Sang, Angela and Nancy Ryan Lowitt; five extraordinary women.

With love and hope,

Ellen/El/ Fish

.

with the Drifmeyers