Allow me to introduce my stepmom, Joanie (81), shown here about to help her youngest grandchild, Conor, dig into his 15th birthday cake! Three years ago, Joanie had recently lost her husband (my dad) to ALS when she fell and broke her left femur... ouch! Worse news soon followed: tests revealed that Joanie had Multiple Myeloma, Stage 3. But she also had a source of hope: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
With the guidance of Dana-Farber’s world-renowned multiple myeloma team, Joanie received a series of treatments that would have been unavailable even 10 years ago, her body responded to them beautifully, and she can now look forward to many more happy occasions to come - like the wedding of her eldest grandchild (and our daughter!) this September - all thanks to the innovative cancer care you help fund at Dana-Farber.
But Joanie's story is not that unique, as Dana-Farber Cancer Institute sees over 32,000 new patients every year, for all types of cancer. Why Dana-Farber? Simply put, in addition to providing expert and compassionate care, they do the most to find new cancer cures. In a recent five-year period, over 50% of all new FDA-approved cancer drugs were developed with the leadership of Dana-Farber researchers. Like Joanie's all-time favorite football player, Tom Brady, Dana-Farber is the G.O.A.T.
To do our part, the Pan-Mass Challenge supports cancer care and research at Dana-Farber by riding bikes and fundraising. A lot. Last year, donors like you allowed us to contribute a record $75 million to Dana-Farber - that's 100% of all rider-raised funds - and we aim to do more in 2025! I’m saddling up for my 17th consecutive year and I hope you’ll consider supporting my ride - and cures for cancer - as generously you can.
On behalf of Joanie and all the other cancer patients who will live longer and healthier lives because you gave to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, thank you,
Jarrett
