In connection with recently re-retiring, I have decided to put more of my time into supporting efforts to BEAT CANCER. As many of you know, we lost Mary Jane in 2009 after many years of battling cancer. Throughout my life so many of you have been part of my critical support network and I owe much gratitude for all that you have done for me and my family. Thank you! Now I am asking for your support as I take on raising money for cancer research on behalf of Dana-Farber through my participation in the Pan-Mass Challenge on August 2nd and 3rd.
Mary Jane’s legacy continues to this day and her profound impact on myself, her family and all those that knew her is ever lasting. She is a reminder of the devastating impact of cancer and the need to continue to find solutions for this disease which takes new research and money. I am committed to being part of making a difference so that it is less likely that others go through what MJ’s family and I have gone through! When I think about the commitment and endurance needed to cycle 185 miles over two days, it pales by comparison to the amazing strength MJ had during her years battling cancer and to the similar strength so many others and their loved ones demonstrate when faced with this awful diagnosis and related treatments. Thus, I know that I am ready for this challenge and that throughout this ride, I will be guided and protected by the amazing and loving Mary Jane.
In case you are not familiar with this event, the Pan-Mass Challenge is a bike-a-thon that raises more money for a cancer charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the country - to bring us Closer by the Mile to a cure for cancer. Last year, 10,000 riders and volunteers raised $70 million of which every dollar raised went directly to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; it could be that your donation, no matter of what size, is the one that results in a new cure for cancer.
As I take on this new endeavor, I am hoping to have your support both emotionally and financially. I believe contributing through this event to Dana-Farber will have an important impact. With the help of many of my friends, family members and former colleagues, I hope to raise at least $20,000.
