A lot has changed since 2019, the last time we rode in-person for the Pan Mass Challenge, a 168 mile bike ride from Wellesley to Provincetown to raise money for 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.
Since 2019, we have all lived through a global pandemic. Cam and I welcomed our son, Charlie, to the world- with all of the joys of sleepless nights, the terrible twos, giggles and now bike rides in his “train”. And cancer struck close to home. My mom was diagnosed with cancer in 2020, the start of a long two year journey with chemotherapy and radiation, supportive therapies, and incredible, dedicated teams led by my Dad, the ultimate caregiver. Last fall, my mom transitioned to Hospice. She peacefully passed away last November, comfortable at home with family. In this last part of her journey we saw the power of both treatment and palliative care, of state of the art hospitals and visiting nurses. We saw how far cancer care has come, and how far we have to go.
Each year the PMC takes on new meaning. This year, for the first time, I ride in memory of 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, and support them through each transition. 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.
In honor of my mom, this year I will be adding Penguins, her favorite animal, to my helmet. Please share the names of your loved ones, friends, and colleagues who have been affected by cancer through email or put their name in your donation comment and I will gladly add their name to those I am riding for. Thank you for your support. It means the world to us.
Stay tunes for our annual PMC Song and updates!
Alex
