Here we go again! Our 12th year riding! We leave for Sturbridge on Friday August 1st for an early, Saturday morning start toward the Cape where we will finish Sunday afternoon.

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It is difficult to believe that 12+ years have gone by since Mason was diagnosed with Stage IV neuroblastoma. Twelve years since we heard the words "your son has cancer”. Twelve years since we were told Mase had a 30-50% chance of survival, and an unimaginably difficult fight ahead of him. Twelve years since he endured 6 rounds of high-dose chemotherapy, a 6+ hour tumor resection surgery, a stem cell transplant, radiation, experimental immuno and antibody therapy, and more pokes, prods, and hospital admissions than I can, or frankly care to, recall.

But here we are, gratefully.

Mason turned 14 in March. Officially a high-schooler, Mase enters his freshman year at Fairfield Prep this fall. Two-thousand-twenty-five has been a year of so many firsts. His first ski down a double black mountain in Vermont, his first date, his first dance, his first 5K, his first venture to the beach with friends on his own capped off with a walk to Colony Pizza. You know, all the things that make up 8th grade and the summer before High School. By all accounts Mase is living his best life and that is because he was given the chance to live it. He is here in full-on teen angst and delight because of the prayers of many and because of advances in cancer research and treatment made possible by donors just like you, who through their generosity moved the needle forward.

He is an ever-constant source of inspiration and living proof of what we can accomplish together. As we look forward, to high schooling and driving and first jobbing, we’re reminded of how far Mason has come and of all the children he was in treatment with that don’t get these firsts.

Team, in the 11 years we’ve ridden thus far we have raised over $200K, every penny of which is being used to research or operationalize new therapies and treatments. Every donation is an opportunity to save a child, just like Mason; to save a family just like ours. While survival rates have increased to upwards of 60%, there is still so much work to do.

Last year the Pan Mass Challenge broke $1 Billion donated to Dana Farber since its inception. Make no mistake, without the Pan Mass Challenge, there is no Dana Farber. To be part of something this big, and to know firsthand, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that our pedaling has moved the dial and has saved lives and families, is something special.

I can never express to you the fullest extent of our gratitude. I can only say thank you...for your generosity, for your friendship, love, and prayers. And for sticking with us, as we work toward a world without the horrors of cancer.

This year I once again ask you to continue to ride alongside us. If you are able to, please donate via http://profile.pmc.org/MR0290. Let's make our 12th ride, the best yet.

To date, we have donated 100% of our funds raised to neuroblastoma research. This year while we continue that core mission and focus, 20% of the funds we raise will be routed to Dana Farber’s multiple myeloma program in honor of a dear friend who is currently in treatment for the disease. I believe that what we do here and now, will make a difference.

It is also worth noting that matching-gift programs have been a key part of our fundraising success. If you have access to a corporate match, please reference my Rider ID (PMC ID: 79699-0) in your submission to ensure the funds route to our designated focus (80% neuroblastoma, 20% multiple myeloma).

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me; michael.ruszkowski@gmail.com or 203.913.6446

Until Every Child is Well,

Mike (Mason's Dad)