PMC will be different this year. Last year was my 11th ride pedaling from Sturbridge to P-town. I’ll miss it this year but I’m dialing it back. Here’s why.

In the fall of ‘24 I went to the dermatologist to check on a spot on my left cheek, following the good advice of my partner in crime Sarah. Shortly after that visit I learned I had tested positive for melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer. I was about to learn a lot more about Dana Farber cancer institute.

Surgery was Dec 3, and I spent the next few weeks recovering. I recently began immuno therapy treatments. Those will continue for the next year and we are hopeful side effects will be minor. So far so good. The experience at DFCI was incredible. I’m fortunate that we have this resource in our backyard.

The fundraising and the training are big commitments, made even more intimidating by this turn of events but I want to stay involved with the Pan-Mass Challenge. So this year I’ll participate in the 50 miler out of Wellesley. My guys Robert, Mark, and the rest of the Sullymac team will make the annual trek from David’s house to Sturbridge to Bourne to Ptown and complete 192 miles (more if they ride the dunes at the end !) I’ll be part of the team and ride 50 with Brian and anyone else I can recruit. (Looking at you John and Jason)

Thanks to everyone who’s been a part of the experience over the last 10+ years. The OG route is special and I hope to do it again someday. Thanks to my rock, Sarah for fighting cape traffic to get me and my bike home after many PMC weekends and letting me spend the time putting miles in to get ready to ride the long ride. This year should be a little simpler.

I’m going to stay in the fight, I’m going to keep moving forward, and just like every year I’m asking for your help in the fight against cancer. It hits a lot different this year, but one of the most impactful parts of all this is that treatment for melanoma has changed drastically over recent years -for the better- and PMC/DFCI has been a part of that. So again, thank you. Not only for supporting the cause but for supporting me.

Let’s ride.

https://profile.pmc.org/ga0042