That's right Pan-Mass Challenge 2024 - I am coming for you!
This August 3rd and 4th, I am stoked to get back out on the road, saddling up along side members of Team LUNGstrong, for my EIGHTH Pan-Mass Challenge to raise funds for lung cancer research through the LUNGstrong and Spore Funds, associated with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). Alongside my brother, we will make the 162-mile trek from Wellesley to Provincetown in honor of our incredible Mom!
As many of you know, I was 15 weeks pregnant with my big guy, Ryder, when my Mom was diagnosed with lung cancer…Stage 4 Lung Cancer. To say that we were shocked is an understatement – the thought of losing her was absolutely terrifying. In January of 2011, she began the fight for her life. For the next two and a half years she drove to Boston from NH with my Dad for treatment – over thirty rounds of chemo, radiation, two plus years of immunotherapy, and more radiation. While she has not had immunotherapy in over six and a half years, she's tackled the obstacles presented to her with such grace and beauty including brain surgery twice. Despite all she has faced since her diagnosis, my Mom’s perseverance and determination are beyond admirable; she truly is my hero. Her zest for life has never waned, her heart has never loved more, and the joy in her grandchildren’s eyes when they hear us so much as mention “Mimi” is more infectious than ever.
Lung Cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, and just this year, some 240k people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States alone. Even more alarming, lung cancer kills 3 times as many men as prostate cancer and similar statistics have been reported for women when compared to breast cancer. Despite these grim statistics, PROGRESS IS BEING MADE!! The five year survival is slowly increasing while the number of new diagnoses decline, which likely reflects advances in treatment and early detection, all supported by research that DFCI is at the forefront of!
My mom is here today, especially right now, CRUSHING the odds THIRTEEN AND A HALF years after her diagnosis, because of the incredible work at DFCI and organizations that support their efforts, like the Pan-Mass Challenge and LUNGstrong, none of which would be possible without the generosity of you and so many others. Survivors, caregivers, loved ones, friends, advocates, practitioners, doctors, ALL of whom work tirelessly to broaden the understanding, break the stigma, increase funding, and advance research for lung cancer. ALL donations are tax deductible and because every penny matters, the PMC donates 100% of every rider-raised dollar DIRECTLY to Dana-Farber, raising more than 52% of the annual revenue at The Jimmy Fund®!!
Thank you all in advance to all of you for your support – it truly means so much to so many...ESPECIALLY right now!
Sending love and good health to you and all of your families and friends!! xo
