I'm a proud supporter of the PMC because it is leading a charge to beat cancer. In fact, last year 100% of rider-raised revenue went directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure. I have pledged to ride a bicycle 283 miles over 3 days in August to raise money for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, recognized as one of the top three cancer centers in the world.

My “Why?”: I’m turning 65 that month. I was in my twenties when my mother and father both died from cancer related illnesses. Their cancers would be very curable now. But there are new cancers on the rise. Some of my closest friends, and the people they love are fighting cancer this year. Funding for cancer research and health care is on the decline.

In the words of PMC founder Billy Starr:

Recent proposed cuts to the NIH budget is projected to have a negative impact to Dana-Farber that could be$50 million, and as much as a $200 million over the next four years.

NIH grants fuel the science that saves lives. These funds do not sit in an endowment, they’re at work in the labs and clinics of the Longwood Medical Area. Losing those funds and/or the people who utilize them means stalling progress. Risking jobs. Slowing the momentum in our fight against cancer… patients are the ones who pay the price. That is why what you do – what we do – matters more than ever. We [PMC] are the largest single contributor to Dana-Farber. And when others may pump the brakes, the PMC community needs to accelerate.

So yes, we ride to raise money. But as importantly, we ride to protect progress. We ride to defend hope. And we ride to ensure that nothing—and no one—stands in the way of our funding the cures for cancer.

My other “Why?” Well, my son Adam asked me to do it with him. And how do you say no to that?

Adam and I have pledged to raise 12,000 dollars, 100 percent of which goes to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

I was recently at Disability Awareness night at Fenway Park. On my way to the elevator, in a remote hallway I came upon the original donation box for the Jimmy Fund. We’ve come a long way since then. Let’s not stop now. Thank you in advance for support of any size or any kind.

Online https://profile.pmc.org/JB0546

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