On Saturday, August 2nd, I will embark on riding my 1st Pan-Mass Challenge. I have volunteered for as long as I can remember and am both excited and nervous to experience it on the bike this year.
This year, I will cycle 85 miles from Wellesley to Bourne on Saturday, and then volunteer at the Wellfleet waterstop on Sunday alongside Team Berkshire. My dad, a veteran of 20 PMC rides, and my brother Nick joining for his 4th, will be alongside me for the ride.
As many of you know, the PMC raises funds for cancer research, which are directed to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. DFCI is a world leader in groundbreaking cancer research. Last year, the PMC's total fundraising surpassed $1 billion for Dana-Farber.
Every dollar you contribute will be matched by Berkshire Partners, doubling your impact. This year, I am joining my family riding in memory of my grandfather, Pop-Pop, who bravely battled Stage 4 Micropapillary Bladder Cancer until his passing six and a half years ago. Pop-pop demonstrated to my siblings and me what it meant to be a fighter and not give up even when he was at his lowest. Through riding, I thank him for all the lessons he taught me, the stories he shared, and his never-failing ability to love everyone around him.
My participation in the Pan Mass Challenge isn’t just about honoring Pop-Pop’s memory; it’s also about bringing help to families everywhere in need of cancer care; helping dedicated and world-class oncologists like Dr. Choueriri (my grandfather's doctor) at Dana Farber; and supporting the compassionate nurses who comfort patients with small gestures like chocolate milkshakes- just as they did for Pop-Pop.
It’s about acknowledging everyone who tirelessly pursues not only a cure for the disease but also provides unwavering kindness to patients and families every day.
Cancer touches so many lives, perhaps even yours. Your support means I’ll be riding in honor of you and your loved ones, too. Since its beginning, the PMC has helped increase cancer survivors- “Living Proof from 5 million to over 22.5 million today. Please help me support Dana-Farber’s mission to defeat cancer!
Thank you,
Katie Ascione
