Here we go again!

In just 3 weeks, I will be participating in my 4th Pan-Mass Challenge!! As always, I am thrilled to be riding for the incredible Team LUNGSTRONG!! Although COVID changed the physical landscape of the routes in 2020 and 2021, it was great fun to ride alongside many other team members on “reimagined” routes on the north shore. This year, we will be back on the PMC course with thousands of other dedicated riders during the weekend of August 6th and 7th!

Riding is a privilege and an honor. I am so very fortunate to be able to be a part of this important mission to help raise critically needed funds for lung cancer research. 11 years ago I was diagnosed with a carcinoid tumor in my right lung. The love, support and medical care I received from Team LUNGSTRONG and the doctors at Dana Farber carried me through that difficult time.

So here I am still able to pedal! However, riding the bike is definitely the easy part of the PMC. Raising the funds is the difficult part. Especially now, in the midst of so many financial challenges in the world. There are two important things to keep in mind. 100% of every rider-raised dollar goes directly to funding cancer research for the Thoracic Oncology program at Dana Farber and - no donation is too small!!

This year, I have chosen to ride only the first day of the PMC, and then I will volunteer at a water stop in Brewster with my husband and other PMC friends on the second day. This helps decrease my overall fundraising goal, but enables me to be a part of this extraordinary event throughout the weekend!

As we all know, a diagnosis of cancer, regardless of the type, is a life altering moment for the patient and their family members. It sets in motion a journey no one wants to be on. This summer, I will ride for the many, many dear family members and friends who have been impacted by the ravages of cancer. John A. and his beautiful family will be foremost in my mind this year as they are currently in the midst of the fight.

The creator and leader of Team LUNGSTRONG, Diane Legg, continues to advocate for lung cancer awareness and support all while navigating her own battle with lung cancer. She is a 16 year Lung Cancer survivor and because of her tireless efforts, Team LUNGSTRONG has raised over $4 million for lung cancer research at both Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Mass General Thoracic Cancer Center.

I would be deeply honored if you would consider making a donation to this important cause, if you are able. To donate to my 2022 PMC Ride you can send me a check made out to the Pan-Mass Challenge (69 South Hampton Rd, Amesbury, MA 01913) or donate online at www.pmc.org and type Liz Morris where it says Find a Rider. If you would like me to ride in honor or memory of a loved one by adding a name to a ribbon, please click on the in memory/in honor of button when you donate and enter the name or email me at morrisfamily69@gmail.com. I will be accepting donations until September 30th.

Thank you all very, very much!

Sincerely,

Liz