I caught myself wondering why somebody doesn't do something about that. Then I realized that I was somebody. -Lilly Tomlin

This seems the perfect theme for my 12th Pan-Massachusetts Challenge ride, which is coming up in August of 2019. However, in honor of my 10th year as a survivor I am taking on my 12th PMC because I am so VERY BLESSED - VERY FORTUNATE-and feel that PMC is my way to feel VERY MUCH LIKE I'M DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS CANCER FIGHT, I AM EXCITED TO BE PART OF THE 2019 RIDE! Looking back to my first PMC in 2008-I could never have imagined doing THE PMC now TWELVE times, but here I am.

I WORK very hard to prepare myself and my body to ride 92 miles, EACH AUGUST in an effort to raise still more awareness and funds to support the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Woman's Cancers Care Program. Why would I do this? Well, the answer always seems to be why not? It sure seems like the right thing to do. While the ride is always a big challenge for me, it cannot compare with the grace, grit, strength, and courage with which so many have faced their battle with cancer.

Every year, I find myself still heart sick for yet more dear friends and family who are facing this battle…who are still fighting the fight. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with so many who are still fighting the battle. So this PMC I ride to HONOR all those who fight and to LOVE, SUPPORT and HONOR each of them. While they are each very aware of the challenging road they must travel, each remain 100% determined to win and I ride with 100% effort to help them win!

Therefore, my 2019 ride will raise the needed funds to support the all important research and treatment, that saved my life and will ensure a successful fight for all who battle. In addition, my ride continues to be most importantly a tribute to each individual affected by cancer, those who are survivors, those who struggle, those who are caregivers, and finally my ride is in memory of those who have lost their courageous battle but remain forever in our hearts and minds.

I would be remiss if I did not say that, in addition to friends, my family has been deeply affected as my mother, Judie M. Spelta and sister, Lisa M. (a.k.a. Teddy) Spelta, RN, SND both lost their lives to breast cancer. While their absence from our family is enormously painful -everyday - it was the feeling of helplessness, which brought me to my first ride in 2008 and since then it has been the feeling of satisfaction that I am doing something about it...something to fight back that keeps me riding.

How many times have each of us said if only there were something I could do. Well, the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge continues to be what I can do and with your help, it can be so much more. Together we CAN fund a CURE!

So, here it is 2019 and here I go again. I am getting ready for my 12th PMC! I am still cancer free, achieved the 10 year milestone on December 22nd, 2018 and I am VERY grateful. The effects of chemotherapy are still there but I do my best to work with_compensate for_ignor the side effects because I am so grateful to be alive and I want to make a difference for every one else who is struggling.

Please know that I am most grateful to each of my sponsors and supporters for helping to ensure that funding remains available to continue research and treatment, which will someday lead to a cure! - Thank you to each of you and thank you to my daughter, Carly and my husband Chris for their continued support of my PMC life.

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SkillsUSA Massachusetts