In 2015 I rode in my first PMC in memory of my mother in law who fought hard but ultimately lost a battle with Leukemia in December 2014. It was a horrible experience made better only by the help and support of Dana Farber. Although I loved DCFI and appreciated all that they did for my husband and I, I never wanted to step foot in there again.

I did not get my wish. In March of 2017, my father was diagnosed with Stage 4 Esophogeal Cancer. We immediately knew we wanted Dana Farber to design his treatment plan. We had the best Doctor who was personable and caring along with countless amazing nurses.

He seemed to be doing well, the chemo was working for a few months, shrinking the masses however it stopped being effective in October 2017. Because the esophageal tumor was growing, eating was becoming impossible. After weighing the risks, a decision was made to put a stint in so eating and maintaining weight would become more manageable. Unfortunately, the stint caused a tear in his esophagus which then caused internal bleeding. The bleed caused the doctors to take him off of blood thinners. The next morning, he suffered a very significant stroke. My mother, sister and I then made the decision to stop his suffering and keep him comfortable. After a week of family and friends visiting with love and stories to share, my dad peacefully passed away with myself and my mother by his side on November 2nd, 2017.

I cant say enough about how difficult these past few years have been without my dad. There is nothing to be said sbout the death of a parent, there isn’t much comfort that can be offered from others.

My Dad loved Dana Farber, he loved the doctors and the nurses and all of the good they do for so many people. In 2015, when I rode my first PMC, he was very proud of me, when I rode my next PMC, I could feel him with me on every mile. This is the comfort that I chose to take with me on my third PMC adventure. I will think of him every mile I ride as I do every minute of every day. He is my inspiration, he is my motivation and I look forward to doing this for him.