After a crash at mile 82 of the PMC last year, I thought my riding days were over. A concussion, a fracture requiring surgery, a watermelon sized hematoma, labrum tears in my right shoulder, and multiple bruises and abrasions were telling me it was time to hang up the shoes. But an amazing support network, excellent medical care, and the thought of what my friends and relatives suffered as a result of various cancers told me otherwise. In October, 73 days after the crash, two of my teammates and our amazing support team joined me to complete the 2023 journey from the crash site to Provincetown (120 miles). And that was all it took to inspire me to sign up again and ride the PMC for a 22nd time.
For the past 22 years, I have called upon friends such as you to help in the fight to find a cure for cancer. For the first 20 years I rode with Phil's Phriends and this year I am back with Phat Tuesday to build on that success and help the PMC cross the $1 billion threshold.
And with the 2024 ride, I am again seeking your assistance. Too many of our dear friends and relatives have been stricken by cancer and there is still much work to be done. And I learned firsthand of the importance of this work in 2022 when I was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma. Because of advances in medicine, funded by your donations, surgery was performed, the disease was removed, and I am ready to roll yet again in August.
Riding in and supporting the PanMass Challenge is a meaningful way to honor and memorialize our friends. We are thousands of cyclists who call upon our strength to help others. We channel physical, mental and emotional energy into something much greater than the athletic accomplishment that is gained by riding up to 192 miles. We help Dana-Farber's clinicians and researchers learn more about cancer and its causes, and to develop new, increasingly effective treatments for this deadly disease.
In the past 22 years, I have learned too many dear friends, relatives, and colleages who were diagnosed with cancer (breast, lung, thyroid, and colon). Several lost their lives to the disease. Watching these giants taken by the disease so quickly reminded me that there is still much work to be done to eradicate this disease.
When they first told me they had cancer, I was struck with disbelief. However, when the magnitude of their illness truly sank in, the feeling turned to helplessness. I often wondered what I could do to help them overcome cancer. While their strength was being taken, I struggled for the appropriate words to say, and actions to take. Riding in the PanMass Challenge is a meaningful way to honor and memorialize them. It is one small step in the direction of finding a cure and eradicating cancer and we are a unified force of people made whole by the belief in a single mission that has the ability to improve the human condition.
The PMC, which began in 1980, is the nation's oldest and most successful bicycling fundraising event and shows what the determination of each individual can do. The event has been instrumental in helping Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's clinicians and researchers learn more about cancer and its causes, and to develop new, increasingly effective treatments for this deadly disease. The Jimmy Fund is a principal fundraising arm of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Named for one of Dr. Farber's young patients, the Jimmy Fund is widely regarded as New England's favorite charity with individual and corporate supporters throughout the country. Corporate sponsorship and a vast volunteer network enable the Jimmy Fund to keep operating costs to a minimum.
Your tax-deductible donation can be made online using any of the links below. Or you send a check made payable to PMC/Jimmy Fund. I will be happy to pick up donations or you can mail them to me at my home address.
Thank you for your help and continued support.
My Links
Phat Tuesday Team Page
State House page
Roy Law
