This will be my 8th PMC and I ride for my son Hayden- the strongest boy I know! Who, when diagnosed with cancer at two years old, began the greatest fight of his young life and won. I ride for the families who have to hear those heart-shattering words, “your child has cancer” and who then pick the pieces of their broken hearts up and bravely fight alongside their children. I ride for the pediatric cancer patients, who under the worst of circumstances, continue to teach us about the power of strength and resiliency. I am riding in the PMC because it is leading a charge to beat cancer and 100% of rider raised funds directly support the Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber Cancer Institute’s tireless commitment to finding a cure.
I cannot put into words how greatful and appreciative we are for all of the support through all these years and look forward to your continued support to help not only us, but the countless others who have to go through this battle!
Hayden’s Story:
June 17, 2015 was a day I will never forget. As we watched our son blow out his birthday candles, the phone rang and we were delivered the most devastating news of our lives- Hayden has cancer. Our two year old son, the happiest of kids, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Our life changed forever that night and we were forced to adapt to a new normal- one that included hospital stays, clinic appointments, and chemotherapy.
Treatment began almost immediately with an extended stay at Boston Children’s Hospital. He received an aggressive schedule of chemo, blood draws, procedures, and medication. We watched as our son went from running down the halls with enthusiasm to being carried- too weak to walk. His birthday present, a new bike, raced through the stark hallways of a hospital, rather than riding down neighborhood sidewalks the in the warmth of the summer sun.
Over the course of 759 long days, Hayden received a combination of chemotherapy both at home and at the Jimmy Fund Clinic. He experienced countless lumbar punctures, blood tests, and transfusions. Although days could be tough and emotional, we continued to draw strength from Hayden. Despite the cancer and his rigorous treatment, he continued to fight and he continued to thrive. He continued to prove that cancer was no match for him.
On July 21, 2017, we received more news- the kind of news that fills your heart with so much joy that it bursts with happiness- Hayden was cancer free! With those words and with the support of the doctors, nurses and volunteers at both Boston Children’s Hospital and the Jimmy Fund Clinic, as well as family and friends, our family was given the great opportunity to create another new normal.
My PMC Journey:
Ten years ago, Hayden and I were approached at the Jimmy Fund Clinic about Hayden joining the Pedal Partner program -a program that matches pediatric cancer patients to teams riding in the PMC. Hayden was matched with Team Eradicate, a group of cyclists who’ve dedicated themselves to riding 192 miles from Sturbridge to Provincetown, MA in an effort to help eradicate cancer. Watching this team ride was nothing short of inspiring! Fueled by that inspiration and feeling motivated and moved by Hayden and the patients at the Jimmy Fund Clinic, I have decided to get on a bike and join Team Eradicate in this year’s Pan Mass Challenge.
I have committed to riding the one day from Sturbridge to Bourne this year with a fundraising goal of $5,000 and am kindly asking for your support. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to funding more research, finding a cure, and supporting cancer’s most vulnerable patients.
THANK YOU for your help in this fight!
