Please Join Me in the Fight Against Cancer!
The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) Bike Ride is an annual 2-day, 192 mile cycling trek across Massachusetts that raises money for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The PMC raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the country. Last year, exceeding $1 billion in donations since its inception in 1980. I am proud to be participating in this incredible event this year, as a cancer survivor and benefitiary of the cancer research and innovation at Dana-Farber.
My Story
For a few years, Brenda and I have been cycling with a group of friends that train for the PMC every year and share personal experience with cancer, either as survivors or lost loved ones. To support our friends, we decided to join the PMC last year. Little did I know that shortly after committing to the event that I would be diagnosed with cancer. I was floored and shocked like many people as I had no symptoms. But I am incredibly fortunate to have access to diagnosis and treatment at the world-renowned Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. The amazing care team at Dana Farber provided critical consultation on treatment options that ultimately allowed me to make a challenging treatment decision. I am now cancer free with no side effects. The advanced, non-invasive treatment I received and the exceptional outcome I experienced is directly attributable to cancer treatment research performed at Dana Farber.
Why We Ride:
We ride for those who cannot. We ride to honor the memory of those we have lost. We ride to celebrate the survivors. We ride to raise funds that will help accelerate the search for a cure. Every mile we pedal in this event and the training to prepare is a testament to resilience, hope, and courage. I took the photo you see of one of our teammates and it perfectly illustrates just how personal this cause is for so many.
How You Can Help:
I am determined to give back and make a difference in the lives of others who are fighting this disease. You can too. Please remember: statistically, it is not a question of “if” cancer will affect you but “when” and “how” cancer will impact you, your immediate family or friends. Your support means the world to the countless individuals and families affected by cancer. Here’s how you can help:
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Donate: Every dollar counts and brings us closer to finding a cure. Click the links to the left to make a tax-deductible donation.
The funds raised support lifesaving cancer research, treatment and patient care. 100 percent of every dollar I raise goes directly to Dana-Farber, meaning that your donation has a real impact at this critical time when NIH funding for medical research is being dramatically reduced. Your tax-deductible contribution will help provide hope and healing to those battling cancer. The PMC is making a difference in the lives of patients at Dana-Farber and around the world.
Thank You!
Thank you for visiting my fundraising page and for your generous support. Together, we can make a significant impact in the fight against cancer. Let’s pedal towards a future where cancer is a thing of the past. Please click on the Photo Gallery tab to see photos and videos from the event, including the official event video with me 58 seconds in (riding with no hands, of course): https://vimeo.com/1109757691
Joel
To learn more about the Pan-Mass Challenge, visit www.pmc.org
