Five years ago one of my most favorite people in the world, my son-in-law Fred Knight, was diagnosed with cancer. He received incredible treatment from Dana-Farber Cancer Institue. I speak not only of the medicine but also of the treatment team who helped his cancer go into remission. He is LIVING PROOF that cancer treatments, research and medical professionals benefit from donations to Dana-Farber. He's one of my many 'whys'.
I always need a goal. This year my goal is to ride my bicycle 186 miles in two days for the PanMass Challenge. Two reasons: one is to raise money for cancer research, cancer treatment, cancer care and most importantly a cancer CURE. And two: raise awareness that cancer can be cured and bikes save lives.
Pan Mass’s motto is ‘Bikes Save Lives’. They have raised over a billion dollars the past 40+ years for the Dana-Farber Foundation. The PMC is a two day ride that was founded way back when I was in high school. The proceeds - 100% of them - go to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. DFCI was founded just before I was born. Did I know about it then? Nope. But I knew someone back then who had cancer: my Aunt Kay. She and many others I will tell you about over the next six months have battled cancer. I know, as I am sure you know, people who have battled and lived, battled and lost, and are battling now. I want to help those folks. And I NEED you to help me.
Big ways to help:
- Donate to my fundraising through my page: https://profile.PMC.org/MP0418 Look for 'Support my Ride'. Give what you can so I can raise at least $6000.
- Ride along with me sometime! I’ll be training a LOT. We can visit and chat.
- Watch out for me and other cyclists on the road. Slow down, give us some space.
- Volunteer for PMC. Go to the same website PMC.ORG You can volunteer year round or on ride weekend: August 2 and 3rd 2025
Thanks for your help and love,
Mary
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Mary Catherine Kendall Combs 1938-1980.
A devoted mother who despite cancer fought to provide for her children. A sister who passed down a legacy of love and togetherness. An Aunt who has become one of my “whys”.
My first story about cancer goes back to 1972. My Aunt Kay. I’ll tell you about her cancer journey and what it was like back in the 70s with a cancer diagnosis. First, I’m going to start by saying this woman was a force. Nothing was going to stop her and there was nothing TO stop her. As I write these Pan Mass posts I wonder, actually I KNOW, that watching my Aunt Kay helped me to become the fierce determined woman I am today.
Aunt Kay was the oldest of seven children and was my mom’s sister. In the 70s, I became one of about 20 cousins. With Kay leading the charge, there were monthly birthday parties, outings to lakes and parks, Uncle Al Show visits and any activity to keep the entire family close.
In 1972 she had some pain in her gluteus area that was dismissed by many doctors. Finally, there was a Doctor who listened to her, decided to perform surgery and unfortunately found a mass that was determined to be cancer. At the age of 34, married with three children, she had her left leg removed. This is where some of my fondest memories of her come in. We would visit her: she would be in bed, the phone crooked between her shoulder and ear taking Avon orders. She wasn’t bedridden. It was just easy for her to carry on business from there. You think having a mom laying in bed would allow the kids free rein? No way. I can still hear her calling “Steve, Gary, Greg! Get me ____! A voice I hear to this day.
Her dear husband Wayne fashioned a tall chair onto a rolling platform where she would sit while making dinner. She would push the chair around using her right leg. Unstoppable and determined.
A few years later, cancer was found in her lung and a piece of that was removed. Then a lump in her throat, which was removed. Surgery was the answer for every cancer diagnosis.
And yet she persevered. She worked as a cashier at a restaurant. Sitting on the stool, cashing people out, taking orders and probably making connections, and definitely spreading love.
