For the past two years I've written a heartfelt blurb about why I do the PMC -- updating it with the stories of the people I know who are living with cancer and who have died. The stories keep multiplying and they are exhausting. Here's why I ride:

In Honor Of

• Eric
• Liz
• Mara
• Joe
• Mary Ann
• Pilar
• Ginny
• LaDonna
• Pam
• Tracey
• Paul
• Jennie

In Memory Of

• Jeffrey
• Rebecca
• Dick
• Alice
• Louis
• Marietta
• Mitzi

Riding in the PMC is the only way I can manage the feeling of being helpless, even though it involves a 192 mile bike ride that seems too hard for me to ride and raising $5000, which seems like more money than I can ever possibly raise.

I ride because I feel incredibly lucky to live in Boston and near Dana-Farber -- the epicenter of cancer research and treatment. Since I met Eric, I've been so grateful for DFCI's support and care.

And, I'm a proud supporter of the PMC because last year 100% of rider-raised revenue went directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. So, your donations aren't going to me or to the ride. They are going directly to DFCI and Eric's treatment and his doctors who need the funding.

I can't thank you enough for your support.

Janetta