I first started riding the PMC in 2007 after my good friend, and longtime employee and rider of the PMC, convinced me that I could do it. I didn't even own a bike at the time. So I went out and bought a bike and started my training. I trained every chance I got so that I wouldn't fall short on finishing the 192 mile ride over 2 days. I didn't really know what to expect that year. I had heard all about the PMC and the money that it raised for Dana Farber, but that was about it. What I didn't realize was how much of an impression that first PMC would make. I was blown away at the comradery that it developed among the riders and the volunteers. Everyone was so polite and caring and helpful. Everyone was there to help in the fight against cancer! I believe that the PMC raised roughly $26 million dollars that year, which at the time was an incredible amount of money.
Over the past 16 years, we have seen the PMC grow in numbers. More cyclist, more volunteers, and a lot more money raised for Dana Farber. this year's goal is $70 million. However, the feel is the same! Thousands of cyclists and volunteers come together for an amazing weekend of comradery, spirit and friendship with the goal of riding upwards of 192 miles across Massachusetts to raise as much money as possible to cure cancer.
During my 17 years of riding I have lost many friends and family members to cancer. Every loss of life makes the mission of the PMC even more important to me. Ive seen my friends' parents die, aunts and uncles, wives and husbands of close friends, and some of my very closest friends themselves succumb to this dreaded disease. I've also gotten to see the incredible good that the doctors of Dana Farber and its researchers are doing. The countless lives that they are saving and the impact their work is having on the families of those inflicted with cancer.
One such example happened very close to home just 2 years ago when the mother of my wife's best friend was diagnosed with cancer. Her local doctor and hospital essentially told her to get her affairs in order, because they couldn't help her. Those words were terrifying to the patient and her family. When my wife told me what was happening, we decided to reach out to the PMC network and try to get her the best care possible. With just one email to the right person at the PMC, Hannah's mom was on her way to an appointment with a specialist at Dana Farber. What happened next is what its all about. The oncologist at Dana Farber assured her that her cancer was very treatable and that she could definitely beat it. It wasn't easy, but after less than a year she was cancer free. That is what the PMC is about for me; helping others beat cancer and helping the families of those that are battling the disease.
Please help with my fundraising goal by making a 100% tax deductible donation. Remember that no donation is too small or too large. With the help of people like you, the PMC will reach its goal this year and thousands of people who need lifesaving cancer treatment will receive it.
David
How to make a donation:
Click on the make an e-gift button on the upper left side of this page. My ID is: HD0028.
Send a check payable to: PMC/Jimmy Fund, to me at:
David Hamblet
125 Potter Hill Road
Gilford, NH 03249
