Dear friends and family,

I am thrilled to announce that this August, I will be a proud participant in the Pan-Mass Challenge, a bike fundraising event dedicated to bringing us Closer by the Mile to a cure for cancer. Based in Boston, MA, the Pan-Mass Challenge raises more money for charity than any other athletic fundraising event in the country for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The funds I raise will directly support Dana-Farber's groundbreaking work in the search for cures and better treatments. 100% of every dollar raised will go directly to Dana-Farber—your donation makes a real impact!

Participating in this event has been a personal goal of mine since my Aunty Phyllis passed away from colon cancer. Aunty Phyllis was a remarkable, funny woman (I have some great stories) who was incredibly supportive of me. She would have been so proud to know that, by cycling 160+ miles in just two days, I’ll be raising funds for cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

This will be my first Pan-Mass Challenge ride, as the distance and fundraising requirements had previously made me hesitate. Will I be able to ride the 160+ miles from Wellesley to Provincetown? I’ve never ridden my bike that far before—how do I prepare for such a long ride? However, what has felt like apprehension has now turned into action, inspired by Rabbi Hillel’s famous wise words: 'If not now, when?’

By sheer luck, I was invited to join a group of eight incredible women to be part of a team called Grateful Living. Some members have loved ones fighting cancer, while others have endured the deep pain of loss.

I’ve fully embraced the challenge of cycling 160+ miles, and picture my Aunty Phyllis cheering me on with a giant, silly sign along the route.

Since its founding in 1980, the Pan-Mass Challenge riders have raised more than $1 billion for life-saving cancer research, treatment, and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, one of the top cancer care hospitals in the country.

Please consider donating to my PMC page. I can only do this with your generous support.

With heartfelt love and gratitude,

Jodi Sisley