Dear AMAZING, Loyal Sponsors,

I have been blessed in my 32 years experiencing the PMC from multiple angles; as a rider, volunteer, fundraiser, Kids Ride Coordinator, Head Staff and for 3+ years now, as a member of the PMC “Living Proof” community. It afforded me the gift of a wide angle lens that has enabled me to know and treasure this EXTRAordinary organization intricately and soulfully.

32 years ago I was so impressed by my first PMC ride from Sturbridge to P-town, I was compelled to find a way to help lead the PMC. I wrote the founder, Billy Starr, a very LONG letter, hoping he would invite me in to talk and consider having me join the Head Staff. I remember writing, “but I don't want to just flip burgers… I would really love to be part of the leadership team!” I lucked out and became Head Staff, in charge of the Start in Sturbridge. I retracted my burger flipping notion almost immediately, realizing it does NOT matter who or where you are in the PMC chain or community; whether schlepping luggage and water and ice, loading bikes and trucks, waving and cheering from the roadside or up on the Bourne Bridge on Sunday morning while celebrating the riders or sitting in Newton, MA at PMC HQ around a table hashing out ride as well as pre and post ride details as Head Staff. We are all one. The PMC is a colossal team of riders, volunteers, sponsors, supporters and planners who are determined and devoted to making a remarkable difference in the cancer world. “Somewhere between Sturbridge and P-town and the many additional routes lies a world without cancer.” We are committed and GOAL DRIVEN and we are TEAMWORK AT ITS BEST, WE ARE TEAM BELIEVE. Thank you, as sponsors, for being our wind, our fuel and for all cancer patients, our HOPE.

The PMC is not just about the ride and the first weekend in August, “it’s a lifestyle” 24/7, 365/365. The virtual tattoo of the PMC is indelibly imprinted in our hearts and minds, and its meaning knows no boundaries in its breadth and depth. We are many and one at the same time. We share a common thread called cancer that resonates and has spoken/called to us to come stand together and do all that we can in all arenas to change the course of all cancers.

Thank you for being the golden spokes in our wheels and mission. In our PMC history we have raised over $ 1 BILLION, and set our sights on a 2025 goal of $76 million!!! 100% goes to Dana-Farber.

With the proposed cuts to the NIH from the present administration, Dana-Farber is projected to lose 50 million in funding; a crushing blow to all patients, researchers, doctors and all cancers. My particular cancer, one of the rarest, has lost ALL funding, as I tick through available treatment options, and prepare now for an upcoming clinical trial. This year, my PMC funds raised and those of Luke’s will support my cancer; Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM). We continue to hope and pray that new drugs in the pipeline can help patients going forward live with this cancer.

I am no longer able to ride due to vision loss, but the PMC of course remains paramount in my world and my heart, knowing firsthand the invaluable value in our fundraising

You are Our Lifelines and Our Hope. Thank you for all that you do to support the PMC and Dana-Farber and cancer patients.

With much love,

Ellen ♥

My Goal ; $33,000 for 33 yrs. #LET''S DO IT!!!