On April 10, 2022 my world flipped on it's head as our daughter, Summer, was admitted to Brigham & Women's hospital in Boston. After an absolutely terrifying first few undiagnosed days she finally ended up on the Dana Farber floor and diagnosed with primary mediastinal lymphoma with a 4in x 5in mass on and in her heart. Chemotherapy started immediately thereafter, starting on Tuesday April 19th. She was discharged after almost 3 weeks in the hospital on April 24th and continues her treatments as an outpatient of Dana Farber.

In September, 2022 we received the incredible news that Summer was NED/cancer free! She continues to be under the care of the professionals at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and goes in every 3 months for a check up- her next check in is March 2024. (and believe me when I say that we all hold our breath at every check in!)

I am NOT a bike rider. I don't and will never have a fancy performance bike. In fact, I don't like speed and the thought of crashing seriously terrifies me. But the PanMass Challenge has become a special part of our cancer journey, sharing the experience with one of our very best friends, Dave Rowse who's dad passed away from cancer, dedicated his ride to Summer in 2022. Summer was in her 5th and last cycle of chemo when we went to cheer him on that first time. She was even wearing her chemo infusion backpack, actively receiving treatment as we cheered on the riders. Last year my husband, Bob, joined Dave in the ride. What a POWERFUL moment for us all when Summer changed the support signs from CANCER WARRIOR to CANCER SURVIVOR as we cheered them on last year. (see pictures in the gallery!)

And now it's my turn to join the team. I'm hanging up my marathon shoes and stepping way out of my 'comfort zone' to join Team Daisy and ride with Bob AND Summer AND Dave in the 2024 PMC in honor of Summer and in memory of two special ladies; my cousin Anastasia McFarlane and my Aunt Rosemary.

Please join me in helping raise awareness and money for this amazing organization. 100% of donations go directly to support the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure to this terrible disease.