This is my 13th PMC ride and every year there is a special ceremony for those who ride with the special designation of “living proof.” It is quite moving to see those who are either going through or have completed cancer treatments line up for the ride. This year I will be joining them as, recently, I was diagnosed with a low-grade prostate cancer. I will be undergoing radiation treatments in the fall with an amazing robotic machine called the Cyberknife (knife not included). Thus, I will qualify for one of those neat “Living Proof” T-shirts. I am thankful that prostate cancer treatments have advanced so much in the last decade or so.

The PMC’s purpose has always been very close to home. In the fall of 2023, we got the news that our daughter, Emily’s ovarian cancer, first diagnosed in the fall of 2020, had relapsed. After completing surgery and her second round of chemo she is now on a maintenance plan and has participated in a new drug trial. Knowing that Dana Farber research has been involved in the development of 50% of the new cancer drugs approved in the past 5 years helps me make it up those hills on my training rides. We are very grateful that Emily is doing well with her positive spirit while chasing after our 6-year-old grandsons.

This 75 year old body decided it's time for an e-bike, which I am looking forward to riding and, now, hopefully able to keep up with Sharon on the ride. My motivation comes from thinking about how Dana Farber uses the funds PMC raises namely breakthrough research and patient care.

We continue to honor all those we have lost to cancer, Carol, David, Judy, Ada, Leo, Herb, and Ari whose memories we cherish.

We hope that you will continue to support our ride.

Sharon and I ride as “Team Sunshine.” To make a donation to our team, Click this link

If you prefer to donate by check please make it payable to either the Dana Farber Cancer Institute or the Jimmy Fund and mail it to:

Team Sunshine

P.O. Box 247

Lexington, MA 02420

With appreciation and love,

Marvin