Dear friends and family,
This weekend, my husband, father-in-law, and I will join thousands of people across the country for the Pan Mass Challenge. The Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) is a fundraiser for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. 100% of each donation goes directly towards the Jimmy Fund, an organization dedicated to fighting adult and pediatric cancer through research.
Like many things, this year’s ride will look a little different: instead of gathering together in Massachusetts with thousands of other riders like we have done in the past, we will be doing a “reimagined” ride on our own here in Michigan. But, no matter where we ride or with whom, our purpose is still the same: to raise awareness of and funding for cancer. 2022 marks my fifth year of fundraising and riding for the cause. I am still overwhelmed each year by the outpouring of support we receive for this event, the touching stories shared by coworkers, friends, family members, and patients, of how cancer has touched their lives.
As my mom continues her journey with cancer, the PMC is even more meaningful. She has received treatments and therapies that were only a dream a few years ago. She has benefitted from the kindness of doctors and nurses who have provided support and guidance through both victories and setbacks. And with this support, she has been able to hear her grandson’s first words, celebrate his first birthday, and watch him take his first steps.
This year, I ride for my mom. I ride for my dad and caregivers like him who dedicate their whole selves to supporting their loved ones. I ride for the incredible care teams who stand by patients through the most difficult times. I ride for the researchers and innovators who have made such incredible advances in treatment and palliative therapies. I ride for my patients. I ride for my son, and the next generation, so that they may never know cancer. And, it is my honor to ride for you and your loved ones.
Below you will find our annual “PMC Song,” as well as information on how to donate to the PMC. I would love to ride for your loved ones who have been affected by cancer. Please send their name through email or put their name in your donation comment and I will wear their name on the day of our ride.
With love,
Alex
How Far I’ll Ride (To the tune of How Far I’ll Go, Moana)
We’ve been sitting at the edge of our saddles
Long as we can remember
Trying to enjoy the ride.
We wish, we could go a little farther.
But we really need some water.
My mouth is really getting dry.
Every turn I take.
Every hill I climb.
Every mile we race.
Takes us back to why.
To raise more money.
For the PMC.
To support the cause.
See the line of our bikes on the street.
As we’re riding.
Here we go… we’re on the road.
The support of our teammates the Flames is behind me.
With family,
And our friends we know we can do anything.
We know everybody knows somebody,
Who’s life has been suddenly
Upended by an awful surprise.
We know everybody knows somebody,
A friend or maybe family,
Who’s faced cancer in their life.
We can ride for them.
We can ride for you.
We can raise money, to the cause be true.
When our legs may ache or our feet by burn,
We will keep going.
See the line of our bikes on the street.
As we’re riding.
Here we go… we’re on the road.
The support of our teammates the Flames is behind me.
With family,
And our friends we know we can do anything.
