?? Love for Lucas ??

I am riding my 10th Pan Mass Challenge in Honor of Lucas who was very recently diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma.  Up until April 29th of this year, I had never heard of Lucas.  Afterall, he was an ordinary 11-year old boy in 5th grade who did ordinary 11-year boys things like karate, play Roblox, and hang out with his friends.  

On April 29th I was scrolling through posts on Facebook as we all do, when I came across several posts about an 11-year-old boy in my town named Lucas.  I saw posts from friends, and community member whose names were familiar to me but who I did not know.  All I knew was Lucas has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, that is mother was scared out of her mind and that the amazing community in which I live was already helping.  I responded to a post asking for someone to wash down their deck so Lucas could at least sit outside and enjoy some fresh air.  Of course, I immediately volunteered my son to do it on Sunday afternoon.  When my son and I arrived at their house, Lucas' mom and Aunt came running outside thanking us for the bottom of their hearts.  We had not even done anything at all. We had just shown up to help in any small way we could!  As my son did some work around the yard, I spent time talking with Lucas' mother, Nancy.  We talked about Lucas, his diagnosis and what he had already been through. My heart broke for her and bled for Lucas.  My son and I finished up the yard work and left.  But I could not stop thinking about Lucas and Nancy.  

Throughout the day on Monday, May 2nd, Nancy and I had texted a few times.  I knew they were trying to get into to Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) to see a specialist in Ewing's Sarcoma and with some help from friends, Lucas was able to get an appointment on Wednesday.  I was so relieved and happy that Lucas was about to get the best treatment available.

On Tuesday morning, I called Nancy and said I would like to ride the Pan Mass Challenge in Lucas' honor this year.  After several minutes of neither of talking because we were both crying, Nancy said that would be amazing.   Later that morning I went over to their home and met Lucas for the very first time.  He was shy, sweet, adorable, and sad. 

Lucas started treatment at DFCI on that Thursday.  He has a long and arduous road ahead but I know that he is a tough, strong, determined boy who has is mom and the entire community by his side. 

Over the years, there have been many, many others in my life that have been affected by cancer.  While thankfully some have fought the battle and won, too many have not.  Although I am riding in Honor of Lucas and his fight, there will not be one pedal stroke taken that I do not think of my cousin Amie.  She is the reason I ride at all.  I know she will be smiling that crooked little smile of hers from above as I cross over the finish line.

The PMC DONATES 100% of EVERY RIDER-RAISED DOLLAR TO DANA_FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE.  Founded in 1980, the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) is an annual bike-a-thon that today raises more money for charity than any other single event in the country.  This success is the result of a lot of people riding for, and caring about, a cure. And because every penny matters, 100% of your donation goes to DFCI. 

So, the answer to the question, Why I Ride is not a simple one at all, but the short answer is because I can. I ride because I am healthy enough to do it. I ride in support of those who are winning and those who no longer can.

Any donation, large or small is greatly appreciated.  Please click on the link https://profile.pmc.org/LG0151 to donate.

Thank you,

Laura ??