Nearly everyone knows a person who has been afflicted with cancer. My involvement in the PMC began in August 2007 by riding with, and in support of, my friends Peter and Sharon Gallagher. That year Sharon, despite undergoing radiation treatment for cancerous metastases in her brain, biked the entire length of the 84 mile ride on a warm summer day. It was remarkable and inspiring. Sharon had been battling cancer since 2005, when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. Her vibrant, upbeat determination to live life to the fullest while continuing to fight the disease was extraordinary.
In April 2008 Sharon passed away from the effects of the cancer at the age of 41. Sharon's spiritual faith was a great source of strength to her and her family. She did not express any resentment to friends about having been burdened by the disease. She met her circumstances with courage, faith, resilience and, to me at least, a determined serenity. As her husband Peter said, the disease did not stop her from living.
Even before Sharon's initial diagnosis, the Gallagher family was previously struck by cancer in 2002, when their then two-and-one-half year old daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia. Thankfully, due in part to the fine medical treatment available from fundraising efforts such as the PMC, their daughter had completed her chemotherapy by July 2004, and is thriving in school and all her activities.
My friend Peter Gallagher has continued the tradition of doing the PMC bike ride together with a growing group of friends in the Bump in the Road team. The three Gallagher children have joined the team beginning with the oldest daughter during the 2013 ride. Sharon's spirit has continued to be with us during this annual bike ride. The joy and tenacity she brought to life continues on in the exuberance of the Gallagher children. Sharon was quite simply a lovely person in every sense of the word.
Please consider donating your time or money to the wonderful cause of the PanMass Challenge to help the fight against cancer. The medical advances made possible through donations will certainly make a difference in the lives of people fighting the disease and their loved ones.
Thank you.
