PMC 2025 is just around the corner and back to normal. We have been training and looking forward to being back out there with all of the PMCer's pedaling to raise funds for cancer research.
As many of you know, my older brother passed away in 2005. I appreciate your continued support and ask that you read my story below and donate to my ride to help find a cure for neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that took my brother way too early. I know so many of you have known a loved one who has had cancer or is battling cancer currently. We can come together and continue to raise funds to further research to lick cancer.
Luckily for me, my family took lots of pictures when my twin sister, Maddie, and I were young. At the time, no one knew they were creating a library of memories that would help me learn about, and remember, my older brother, Andrew. Andrew turned two years old three months before our arrival. He passed away at the young age of six and a half from Neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. In almost every photo, Andrew is by my side. My parents have shared stories of how Andrew took me under his wing and helped me learn to crawl, use a spoon, and share my toys and candy. The videos of Andrew tirelessly teaching me to crawl, and ultimately walk, make me smile. He was kind and encouraging. I hope that I can emulate his kindness and care for others.
No family should have to endure the heartbreak of losing a child, but when that happens, there is a choice to make: fight or flight. You either stay down, or you get up. In this circumstance, no choice is wrong, but when my parents chose to fight this disease, I learned a valuable lesson. A major fundraising activity we participate in as a family is a bike ride called the PanMassChallenge (PMC). The PMC is a 200-mile bike ride from Wellesley to Provincetown, Massachusetts, which takes place over two days each summer. My parents have been riding and raising money to help further the research to fund less toxic treatments for Neuroblastoma for the past sixteen years.
There is little funding available for researching successful treatment of Neuroblastoma. This cancer strikes about 600 children per year and approximately 50% survive. The survival rate has increased almost 25% in the past 5 years. The Friends for Life Endowment Fund at Dana Farber Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts was established in February, 2003 by a family whose daughter’s treatment for Neuroblastoma was successful. Their hope in creating this fund was to move the research forward so there would be many more children surviving this diagnosis of Neuroblastoma.
I'm a proud supporter of the PMC because it is leading a charge to beat cancer. In fact, every 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.
The PMC is more than just a bike ride. The PMC raises an enormous amount of money for cancer research; together, the riders are part of a community that supports and understands one another. Before the ride begins, the national anthem is played as more than 2,000 people wait eagerly at the starting line. A cacophony of music and cheers pave the way for riders. My family and friends who ride with me are united by love for my brother (and the jersey that bears his face) and by the task ahead of us. As we ride, there are always people watching and cheering us on. At one point along the way, there are at least 200 children from a local camp that scream for us as we ride by; I look forward to it each year. As we enter a rest stop, bikers are greeted with pictures of pediatric patients currently in treatment. This grounds us; it reminds us that there exists a bigger cause than just our personal experience with cancer. We ride for every single person who is or will be impacted by cancer.
I love hearing the stories behind why people ride. Every rider has his or her own reason for participating, but there are three causes that everyone has in common: to honor those who have lost their battle, to help those who are currently fighting, and ultimately, to find a cure. The PMC is one of the largest contributors in the world of cancer research. Even in his short life, it was clear that my brother wanted to help others and put their needs above his own. Although he was six and a half when he passed away, he was always there for me. I know that he is still with me, just beyond reach, watching over me. As he has taught me: life is bigger than just yourself; it’s about looking out for others. Andrew is my role model, and it is because of him that I will ride on.
Every dollar helps - Thank you so much!
Best,
Justin
