Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little. ~Edmund Burke

Dear Family and Friends,

I was away when I got the email that stopped me in my tracks and left me feeling helpless.  My neighbor's daughter had cancer.

Nicole was born April 9, 2003. Anxiously awaiting her arrival from the hospital, my girls had made a 4x6 ft welcome home sign. When Maria and Jim (the parents) pulled into the driveway we met the most perfect, beautiful, and sweet baby girl; we all fell head over heals in love.

Cancer is a scary word for anyone to hear-- it is especially difficult to contemplate when talking about a child.

At 9 years old, Nicole's carefree world was suddenly turned upside down with a whirlwind of doctors, hospitals, and surgeries.  She was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer called Esthesioneuroblastoma, a tumor in the nasal cavity.  After enduring two major surgeries totaling 19 hours to remove the tumor, she will be treated with 6 weeks of radiation.

I am not a bike rider and quite frankly I don't even know how to use all the gears. I fall just about every time I clip into the peddles. But I have signed on to do the Pan Mass Challenge, a rigorous bike ride whose sole purpose is to raise funds for finding a cure for cancer, in Nicole's' honor.  I will ride 86 miles from Wellesley to Borne, because 100% of  the money I raise goes directly to the Dana-Faber Cancer Institute for life-saving cancer research and treatment.  I want to do what I can, however little, for  Nicole and any child facing the monumental challenge of dealing with cancer.   I am asking you to help me with your donations.   Any amount you can give will be of enormous help, and together we will fight this devastating disease.  

I am reminded of a quote from the late Sir Winston Churchill-

"We make a living by what we get but we  make a life by what we give."

I hope his words will further inspire you to donate to this very worthy cause.

Thanks so much!

Best Regards,