The 2024 Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) is the weekend of August 6th. I originally thought I would not ride this year because of my shoulder (two rotator cuff repairs in 2022) and because I found out in November that I had prostate cancer. My prostate was removed in February, and I am now Cancer Free! PMC has a special designation for those who have or have had cancer – Living Proof; I am Living Proof. I need to ride and must ride!
When I first rode in the PMC in 2010, I never thought I would ride because of me! I always rode in memory of my parents who lost their battles with cancer. My father passed away at the age of 70 from colon cancer and my mother passed away at the age of 71 from pancreatic cancer. I also rode in the PMC in memory of and in honor of my many family members, friends and colleagues who had succumbed to cancer or who are courageously fighting their battles. This year is different – I’ll be riding as Living Proof that cancer is beatable. I know I have been fortunate. I “only” had prostate cancer, but it was still cancer.
Advances in cancer treatments, therapies and cures have been astounding since my parents lost their battles in 1992 and 2002. I have truly benefitted from these advancements, and I am an example of what is now possible.
This is Why I Ride!
While I have only registered for the 50-mile ride from Babson to Babson in Wellesley, MA, it will still be a challenge. I have not been on a ride since the fall of 2021, but I’ve made up my mind and I am determined to do this!
I remain extremely committed to the PMC and to Team Perry (https://teamperrypmc.com/). The funds I raise are all directed toward the Perry S. Levy Fund for Gastrointestinal Cancer Research at Dana Farber in Boston, MA. All the money raised by Team Perry supports the amazing research and discoveries made by Team Perry’s Fellows in the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Team Perry has raised over $10 million in 23 years and we hope to raise another $450,000 in 2024. This will help the PMC reach its goal of one billion dollars donated directly to cancer research!
I have committed to raising a minimum of $2,000 this year, but I truly hope to exceed $10,000. Since 2010 I have raised over $120,000. I will greatly appreciate any amount you can donate, no matter how small. 100% of all funds I raise go directly to the Perry S. Levy Fund for Gastrointestinal Cancer Research at Dana Farber. To donate to the PMC, please make a tax-deductible donation online on my personal page (http://profile.pmc.org/JP0293). If you prefer to write a check, please make it payable to PMC, The Jimmy Fund, or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and mail it to me at 10 Sundance Way, Natick, MA 01760.
Thank you more than ever for your financial support this year.
With Heartfelt Thanks,
John
