As some of you know, about a year ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and I underwent surgery to remove my prostate. I was lucky. The cancer, although aggressive, was caught early and contained within the prostate. The surgery was successful, and I have been cancer free for a year. The surgery coincided with my 58th birthday, and as I approached 59, I thought about my good fortune and contemplated the best way to celebrate my cancer free milestone and not quite a milestone birthday.

About a month ago, a friend from high school, also a cancer survivor, reached out about again supporting his effort to raise money for cancer research through his participation in the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC), a two-day, 190-mile bike ride across Massachusetts. All the proceeds from this ride go directly towards cancer research and the renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. A light went off and I told him, “I want to join your team and ride with you and raise money to fight cancer.” I cannot think of a better way to commemorate my cancer-free milestone.

To prepare for the PMC, I have been riding my bike almost every day, getting back into shape. I have ridden a Century (100 miles) before, but that was probably in 1989. I have never ridden almost 200 miles in two days. I am excited about the challenge of the ride, but equally excited about raising money to help fight cancer. The PMC requires ride participants to each raise $6,000. I believe I can meet that goal, but I really want to exceed the minimum and raise $10,000 to give back. Because of the kind of research Dana Farber Cancer Institute undertakes, I was fortunate to receive an early diagnosis, excellent care, and an excellent prognosis. My surgery was performed with 5 robotic arms, allowing for a less invasive and more accurate procedure than a person undergoing the same treatment less than 20 years ago. I want to make sure others afflicted with cancer can access the same evidence-based care and research that allowed me to be a survivor rather than a casualty.

I know inflation is high, and the stock market is down, but I ask for your generous support with love in my heart, tears in my eyes and joy as I ride every mile between now and when I finish the ride in Provincetown on August 7th.

I ride in memory of my mother Barbara Meltsner and my father-in-law, Bob Kleine, both taken by cancer.

I appreciate your support for this great cause.

Jim