It's deja vu all over again, said the great sage Yogi Berra.

And so here I am again, preparing to ride the 2023 Pan-Massachusetts Challenge for the 5th (sort of) year. Doing it again is my motto for this year because for some reason I have heard many stories over the last few months of people who battled cancer, were declared cancer free or at least in remission, only to have the cancer come back unexpectedly. They battled and suffered through it once and now have to do it again. So I will do it again. I can train, and beg for money, and ride in the heat and rain again. In my own way, though not equal in physical and mental pain and without the likelihood of the worst outcome, I can suffer with them once again. Suffering is transformational. Suffering is glorious. Suffering sucks but as Khalil Gibran said, Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars. Have you known someone who survived a serious cancer battle? They always end up changed.

For those of you who do not know, the PMC is a two-day bike ride that covers about 190 miles and supports the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. It is the largest athletic fundraising event in the US, having raised $900 million since its founding in 1980. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is internationally renowned for its equal committment to cutting-edge research and providing excellent patient care for both children and adults. The PMC donates through The Jimmy Fund which is the primary fundraising vehicle for Dana-Farber. The Jimmy Fund receives a 4-star rating (highest possible) from Charity Navigator who recognizes its prudent financial management and low overhead costs. The Jimmy Fund sends 88% of all money raised directly to cancer research and patient care. The PMC sends 100% of all money raised by the riders to the Jimmy Fund. This is where you come in. Each rider is required to raise a minimum of $6,000 for the event. I need your help. This isn't a requested donation. Riders have to commit to raising the $6000 and we give them a credit card number. If I don't get to my goal, they charge the card. That's the real suffering.Please consider supporting my ride.