Dear Friends and Family,

I hope everyone is well. We all have varying degrees of challenges in our daily life. Our good health, happiness, and family are most important. Over the past 19 years I have participated in athletic events which I have used to meet my fundraising goals. We all have someone in our life who has a form of cancer, whether it is a family member, friend, or colleague. This year, I will again participate in the Pan Mass Challenge. With your generosity and compassion I was able to raise over $10,000 for last year's PMC event, which was 100% was donated directly to the Dana Farber-Jimmy Fund. This year I will again ride in honor of friends battling this terrible disease and those who have lost their lives to cancer. My friend Paul C. was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer one year ago and is receiving treatment at MGH. Unfortunately, Paul lost his daughter Jessica just four years ago to pancreatic cancer. Jess was just 33 years old with a newborn baby and toddler who Paul and his wife Nancy recently informed me that their 33 year-old niece Jenna, who has a two year-old baby, was diagnosed with breast cancer and is now receiving treatment. Our prayers for Jenna and her family during this difficult time.

These two families are experiencing the devastating effects of cancer, but remain strong as they receive innovative and cutting edge treatments. I will also place the names of friends currently/formally receiving cancer treatments on my jersey, including Eileen A., Joe S., Carolyn C., Frank A., Bill S., Lou S., and Kristen S. I Will also ride in memory of my dear friend Marianne.

Experiencing the agony of chemotherapy and radiation treatment is a painful ordeal. Cancer can strike any of us, young and old, strong and fit. It is so heartbreaking to watch children combating any forms of cancer and leukemia. There has been much progress in the fight to cure cancer. New research and development of various drugs and treatments has been effective.

I have committed to raise $6,500 for the PMC ride. Any help in this endeavor would be greatly appreciated. All donations are tax deductible. Any checks made payable to PMC can be mailed to my address below, or the you can donate through my PMC page.

God Bless,

John Takis

40 Spofford Street

Georgetown, MA 01833