Thank you so very much to all of you who have supported my PMC ride by making a donation. I truly appreciate your support.
The 2022 PMC was certainly the most difficult ride I've completed so far given the 98 degree heat and the highest humidity in PMC History. Through it all however I continue to feel incredible grateful and proud to be part of our Team Lungstrong. We supported one another, laughed (A LOT), and with grit and determination continued to pedal for such an amazing cause, to put an end to cancer #closerbythemile.
On Day 1 I had the pleasure of riding with my dear friend and Lungstrong Team Captain Diane Legg, 18 year Stage 4 Lung Cancer survivor. To say this woman is a Rockstar is a gross understatement. She continued to pedal while those riding next to her stopped to rest. I rode behind her and as I struggled I looked at her and thought if she can so can I. Diane is our inspiration, Living Proof and the Reason Why We PMC!! Diane stops for nothing, her tenacity and strength are second to none, which she demonstrates each day advocating for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis while she herself is facing this horrific disease. She powered through day one and completed a grueling 60 miles. I am in awe of her accomplishment!!
For the most part the roads were in good condition, but at mile 45 we hit some pot holes. I went down after a fellow rider's bike side-swiped mine and I rolled down into a ditch off the side of the road luckily I had a somewhat soft landing. Diane was there to help me out of the ditch as well as assisting the other rider ( who landed on the pavement) with some wipes and a bandaid. Once again Diane being Diane, always looking out for everyone else!
I was able to finish the remaining 25 miles with Teammate Careyanne Davis, (thank you Careyanne), who was a sweetheart to wait for me at the next water stop. We made it to Bourne and fellow Lungstrong Teammate Mary Campagnolo joined us for a picture. We hit the showers and joined up with the rest of the team for some celebratory cheer, food, team photo and of course the Living Proof Toast. To see the number of Living Proof individuals is sobering and awe-inspiring.
This year I chose to volunteer on Day 2 at Nickerson Campground in Brewster, in order to reduce my overall fundraising commitment. John joined me for this in addition to providing Uber services from Bourne to Hyannis (Thanks a million John!). We were assigned to the Fluffernutter table, and were met with committed volunteers, wonderful energy and some good laughs! We were able to see Diane and Christine off for their bright and early start from Brewster to P-Town. They rocked it and were on of the first to roll in to P-town. I am incredibly proud of our entire Lungstrong Team who completed the 80 mile ride on Day 2 crossing the finish line in Provincetown!!! You are all amazing!! Laurie, Robin, Berta, Careyanne, Bob, Dave, Ira, Chris, Dennis, Ian, Jessica, just to name a few. I loved seeing you in Brewster!
Thank you so much to Joy DiFazio! She was a huge support providing many 'Joy Rides' in the blistering heat, delivering snacks/drinks, transporting luggage, taking pictures/videos and constantly cheering on Lungstrong riders throughout the entire weekend. A million thankyous!1! You are simply the BEST!!
As difficult as the ride was this year, pedaling 85 miles in the heat and humidity, it is absolutely nothing when you think about the path that is in front of those with a cancer diagnosis. Thoughts and prayers go out to those individuals who are fighting cancer every day. I think about individuals who have lost their life to cancer. My dad was constantly on my mind while I pedaled on Saturday and I know his positive attitude that he exhibited throughout his cancer fight helped me get through Day 1. Thank you Dad!
For those of you who have already made a donation towards my PMC Ride, Thank You all so very much for your generous support !! I am deeply grateful!!
I understand how many families are feeling challenged financially, no donation is too small and 100% of every dollar raised goes directly to funding cancer research for the Thoracic Oncology Program at Dana Farber. To donate towards my PMC Ride for 2022 you can mail a check to me made out to Pan-Mass Challenge my address is 22 Whittier Meadows Drive, Amesbury MA 01913. You can also donate online at www.pmc.org and type MaryEllen Graff where it says Find a Rider. If you would like me to ride in honor or memory of a loved one by adding a name to a ribbon, please click on the in memory/in honor of button when you donate and enter the name or email me at megraff1962@gmail.com I will be accepting donations until September 30th.
Every donation brings us closer by the mile. As Dr. Ed Benz of Dana Farber put it, 'When they write the book on how cancer was conquered, the PMC will be Chapter One!'
Thank you all so very much for considering to donate!
MaryEllen Graff
