Well...like just about everything in 2020, it hasn't gone according to anyone's plan, but that is quite alright. If anything this year has taught us all to adapt, be strong and persevere together. PMC 2020 has had to reimage itself like just about everything else in the world today. To date, COVID-19 has changed the world as we know it, but one this hasn't changed, the need to fundraise for one of the most underfunded cancers and one that hits close to home for me, Lung Cancer.
Although we won't be taking the typical route all the way to P-Town, I am planning on riding a modified 160-mile route in over two days in MA & NH with some members for the LUNGStong team. I was able to raise over $15k (which blew me away!) and this was because of all your support
Now a little but my story and how my family has been affected by cancer:
It has been NINE years since my Mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. The reason I am riding is because of her and her strength. She has been incredible throughout the entire diagnosis and I am amazed every day by her resilience and positive attitude. No matter what was happening, her faith, her smile and her laughter have never wavered. She is one of my role models and even bigger personal supporters of mine. It’s because of the way she lives her life that I want to do the best that I can in mine, and riding the PanMass Challange to raise funds for lung cancer research at Dana Farber is one way to do that!
I am proud to be riding with Team LUNGstrong raising funds for lung cancer research at the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, affecting more people than breast, colon, prostate, and pancreatic cancers combined, and yet lung cancer research is woefully underfunded. BUT the good news is that progress is being made and Dana Farber (and specifically the Lowe Center of Thoracic Oncology) is at the forefront of lung cancer research. In the last 5 years, there have been more treatments approved by the FDA than in the previous 25 years. In almost all of these new treatments, DFCI has been part of the research process. As more research is being done on genomics and personal therapies, the more successful we will be in the fight against lung cancer and other cancers.
I'm I really hope you will join me in my commitment to raise at least $5,000 for cancer research in any amount that is doable for you. Every donation brings us closer by the mile. And remember, because every penny matters, the PMC donates 100% of every rider-raised dollar directly to Dana-Farber, and your donation is tax-deductible.
Team LUNGstrong is making a difference and I truly appreciate your help!
