Dear friends,
Cancer does not rest. Cancer does not sleep at the end of the day. Cancer is relentless, showing no favorites and taking no prisoners. Wealthy or poor, educated or illiterate, young or old, it does not discriminate. It is insidious, creeping into the lives of everyone, leaving a path of destruction and tragedy in its wake.
It is this tragedy that we have experienced and one that we live with every day. But out of tragedy comes inspiration. It can harvest acts, and deeds, and abilities beyond ones expectations.
Why I RIDE...
My nephew, Andrew DeLuca, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer, in August of 2003. Despite his bravery and zest for life, Andrew lost his battle in December of 2005 surrounded by his family at the age of 6. We miss Andrew dearly and are reminded daily of what he taught us about life and living.
There is little funding available for researching successful treatment of Neuroblastoma. The Friends for Life Endowment Fund at Dana Farber Cancer Center was established to fund research that can increase the survival rate of those diagnosed with Neuroblastoma (approximately 25%-35% survive). A major fund raising event for Friends for Life Endowment Fund is the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC).
Our family has been involved with the PMC ever since we lost Andrew. My wife Tricia has organized PMC kid's ride in town for which both my daughters Hannah and Grace rode. I've committed to the 2 day - 192 mile bike ride from Wellesley, Massachusetts to Provincetown, Massachusetts the first weekend in August. We will ride in honor and in memory of Andrew. His smile, gentle nature, and contagious laugh will pedal us forward until cancer is a thing of the past.
The PMC is our means of empowering the army of doctors, nurses, clinicians, scientists, and support staff that are in our hospitals, laboratories, corridors, kitchens, and garages. These are the people on the front lines working tirelessly to make the dream of NO MORE CANCER a reality.
Please join us by making the PMC your avenue to making a difference in the fight against cancer. Our goal is to raise $10,000 from sponsors like you. Please remember that cancer takes no rest, no vacation, needs no help, and is not slowed by the economy.
To support our ride!!! You can sponsor me online at www.pmc.org/profile/JB0557
By Egift ID: JB0557 or text PMC JB0557 to 20222 or by mail a check payable to the Jimmy Fund to: Jim Buzgo | 38 Vine Brook Rd | Medfield, MA 02052
Please contribute generously and help us in our continuing efforts to help wipe cancer off the face of the earth. When you think of us on our bikes, your spirit will be with us.
With love and appreciation,
Jim, Tricia, Hannah and Grace
PS: I'd like to ask one more favor. It would be so wonderful if you would solicit a donation from one other friend or family member. Just think of how much more money we could raise in our effort to rid our lives of this horrible disease.
My Links
Who are the Friends for Life?
What is Neuroblastoma?
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