2021 marks my 5th year as a PMC rider. But, like so many other things in our lives, the pandemic forced us to change the way our team, KristenStrong, participated this year. We reimagined our ride, and spent the weekend in Western Mass with our house in Deerfield as home base. Family and friends traveled from New Hampshire and Virginia, and a few locals joined the fun. What a gift it was to spend this special time together! We didn't quite hit the 200 mile mark this year, but our two days of riding honored the spirit of commitment to this fabulous cause. In the past 6 years, team KristenStrong has raised close to $250,000 in support of the amazing team at Dana Farber, and I will be forever grateful for everyone who has been with us along the route in body or in spirit.
Thank you for considering a contribution to support the fight. You may contribute using this form or, if you prefer, by check made out to PMC and sent to me at PO Box 417, Deerfield, MA, 01342. Your support of our ride is appreciated more than you can know!
We all have been touched by cancer in one way or another, and we all have our own stories. If you are interested, here is mine ...
It has been over 20 years since I discovered the PMC riders passing by the end of my parents’ street in Sandwich in the wee hours of a Sunday morning in August. For several years, I cheered them on, marveled at their commitment, and for a brief moment questioned their sanity.
And then, in 2004, my sister – Kristen – was diagnosed with a rare form of soft tissue sarcoma. In an instant, the fight became more personal. I became a PMC “roadie” … hauling bikes, gear, and beer for my husband, Joe; brother-in-law, Gary; and step-brothers, Rob and Tom. I felt more connected to the ride and the mission, as Kris, mom, the kids, and I darted from stop to stop, waving and cheering, before rushing to the finish-line in P’town. While I still didn’t think about riding, I was glad to participate in some small way. As I met more riders and heard their stories, my respect and admiration for the event grew.
In September of 2015, Kris lost the battle she had fought so bravely and with such grace for so long. And we lost a beautiful daughter, mother, wife, sister and best friend. But the lessons she taught us about strength, courage, determination, gratitude, family, and faith, remain. So in 2016 I rode my first PMC as a member of team KristenStrong.
I ride in celebration of Cheryl, Kelly, BJ, Bill, Nancy, David, and Rob, and so many other friends and family members who are fighters and survivors. I ride in memory of Joe, Bob, Lisa, Karen, and Sandy. And, I ride in honor of the amazing doctors, nurses, and caregivers who fought alongside Kris, for 11 years, with incredible skill, determination, and compassion. But primarily, I ride with love for Kris, who inspires me every day. Her spirit is with us on every training ride, at every stop, and at every intersection. I can see her clearly - cheering and waving her familiar sign - “Thank you for riding for those who can’t”.
