Hello!
It's time to raise money again! Each dollar really does get us closer towards advancing cancer treatment so that more patients survive and thrive after treatment. Too many treatments are too harsh on the body and leave survivors with future physical or medical challenges. This effort is my annual commitment towards advancing the discovery of advanced treatments and to beat cancer once and for all.
Many (most!) of you know that my daughter, Ruby, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in 2015, a few weeks before her ninth birthday. After successful treatment, (surgery, proton radiation, and chemotherapy) Ruby has been cancer-free for over 9 years!
The late-effects of her treatment (endocrine issues, permanent hair loss, increased risk for secondary cancers, cognitive changes) are Ruby’s new normal, and remind us that funding the newest research and clinical trials will improve outcomes for patients who’ve yet to be diagnosed.
Ruby’s “cutting edge” protocol in 2015 was unheard of five years before her diagnosis, and today’s treatments are miles ahead of what she received. This is what propels us forward in the race for improved survivorship AND less invasive treatment protocols.
I ride to ease the journey for future medulloblastoma patients, and in thanks for Ruby being alive and living her best life. After completing her junior year at Brimmer & May School, this summer she is working as a camp counselor with five year olds, and doing a wonderful job. She also loves speaking Spanish, performing onstage with her singing group, taking part in the drama program, and working at a local bakery. None of this would be possible without the treatment she received (and still receives) at Dana-Farber.
PMC is leading the charge to beat cancer. In fact, each of the seven years I've ridden with Team Nathan, 100% of rider-raised revenue has gone directly to supporting pediatric brain tumor research at the Jimmy Fund and to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure. If you want to learn more about the inspiring and life-changing research supported by Team Nathan funds, click here and here.
Please join me in fighting cancer. And thank you to those of you who have already contributed this year and/or in the past!
