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.

As many of you know, when my mom was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, I started fundraising for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. With your generous suport, I raised approximately $10,000 for the MMRF, an organization that continues the work to find a cure. My mom has been in treatment for 8 years now, and since that time, two of my closest friends' relatatives were diagnosed with MM.

My mom recently came out of remission and now takes a medication that costs $24,099.46 PER MONTH, which amounts to $289,188 per year. Yes, those numbers are correct! My mom is fortunate to have good insurance and medical professionals who help her advocate for what she needs. But what about those who don't have good insurance and/or do not have the ability or knowledge to advocate for themselves?!? Everyone, regardless of the color of their skin, the language they speak, or their zip code, deserves quality health care and to live with dignity and respect.

In addition to fight to find a cure for Multiple Myeloma, we must continue to focus on early detection and raise awareness. I was diagnosed with melanoma five years ago. Thankfully, we caught it early; the Dr. removed it and no other treatment was necessary. I'm grateful to my skin doctors Dr. Lynn Baden at Newton Wellesley Hospital and Dr. William Lin at the MGH Melanoma and Pigmented Lesion Clinic for completing skin checks every three months, humoring me when I send them pictures of new spots on my skin, and working with me to stay safe while I continue to train and participate in triathlons and events like the Pan Mass Challenge. Both doctors have been incredibly supportive and encouraging of my journey.

Last but not least, I want to give a shout out to those in my life who have kicked cancer's a$$ -- my mother survived breast cancer; colleagues at work who survived breast, colon, ovarian, and hodgkins lymphoma; a friend from my local dog park survived colon cancer; and a family friend survived testicular cancer. It's brutal. BUT WE GOT THIS!

Thanks for reading my long post and for supporting such an important cause!

Warmly,

Michelle