Dear PMC Sponser,
As I prepare to ride my 12th PMC event I have taken some time to reflect on all the rides I have done. 2024 was a very special year as Ben rode PMC Unpaved with me in his first adult PMC ride. When PMC ammounced near the end of 2024 that after the 2025 ride it would be moving the start location to Worcester, I knew 2025 was my only chance to be able to ride the traditional route with at least one of my children. I am looking forward to being able to see Ben experience the power of PMC that weekend in August for the first time. Something that has become such a large part of our families life.
Each year I ride it brings me back my first PMC in 2012. At the time it just seemed like a good thing to do. I had recently returned to cycling to gain a healthier life style. I had a blast in 2012 and returned in 2013. Again, I had an amazing time and thoroughly enjoyed everything that is PMC. I did however have to make the decision on wether or not to continue. I made the tough choice to not ride in 2014 and 2015.
These years came and went, I would drive by the Sturbridge start before Day 1 as they setup and you could feel the electricity in the air. It was a feeling I missed. I tried to replace it with supporting my kids as they rode in the kids PMC in 2014 and 2015, but, it just wasn't the same.
Then something profound happened in my life. In my line of work I get to meet lots of great people. One person, better yet one family, would leave a mark on me that I cannot shake. That family is the Caldwell family, whose daughter is living proof of the work that is done at Dana Farber and what everything PMC is all about. To this day, I remember being with Glen Caldwell as we worked together and he was telling me how his daughter, Samantha, had gotten sick on the bus. She just seemed off he said. She never got sick, so to get sick on the bus was different. Little did I know that within a couple weeks Samantha would be flown off Martha's Vineyard and diagnosed with a brain tumor. 2 days later she would have surgery and then began the long battle with her family on her road to beat cancer. I would keep in touch with Glen, get updates on her progress. I would ask how she was doing, how was the family doing. During this entire time I was moved by the strength that this family showed. I cannot even imagine being in Glen's shoes, which at times seemed like a struggle just for his daughter to survive. He watched as she became a shadow of herself. All that strength and love helped. Samantha BEAT IT!!!!! She IS LIVING PROOF of the power of PMC.
While I thank the Caldwells' for getting me motivated to ride again, their are many more people that have stengthened my passion, my desire to work as hard as I can to raise as much as I can for PMC.
So why do I ride?
FAMILY.
Every person I have chosen to ride for every year has been part of a family. A family that has fought along side the person that is battling this horrible thing we call cancer. A family that works together, loves togther, cries together, and fights together.
STRENGTH
The strength the people I ride for inspire me to ride. On those days where I may just not feel like riding/training. The weather is off, I am tired, I am busy, so many possble excuses, I remember they do not get a day off while they battle. They demonstrate strength that I must push to have.
LOVE
The love these people have around them. The love that helps them get through the tough times, The love of those that are with them every step of the way. The unbreakable love of a parent, a spouse, a child. A love I hold deep in my heart and cherish as I squeeze my family closer. Especially in hard times.
This is why I ride. This is why I am always talking about PMC. This is why I push to be better. To be better at everything I do in life.
THIS IS WHY I PMC
The PMC has raised over $1 billion since its inception in 1980. Last year alone, participants of the 192 mile bike ride across Massachusetts raised over $75 million. 100% of those donations went directly to Dana-Farber’s charity, The Jimmy Fund. I hope to have your support to exceed my minimum fundraising target of $6,000. Every one of your dollars count!
Please use the simple on-line method here to make your donation, or if you prefer, you can make a check payable to any of the following:
PMC
The Jimmy Fund
DFCI
Mail your check to my attention at the following address:
100 Five Bridge Rd.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Please visit these sites to learn more about the PMC and Dana-Farber:
www.pmc.org
www.dana-farber.org
www.jimmyfund.org
The PMC’s 2025 goal will be in excess of $76 million! Please help us exceed this goal!
Sincerely,
Michael Beckerdite
I'm a proud supporter of the PMC because it is leading a charge to beat cancer. In fact, last year 100% of rider-raised revenue went directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure.
