My 36th Pan Mass Challenge ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown is quickly approaching (weekend of August 6 and 7) and the good news is that no broken body parts will prevent me from riding! Lately I haven’t been racking up the miles but I’m thankful that I can ride (and walk) given the serious bout I had with sciatica earlier this year; a few months after I fractured six ribs from a fall on icy steps Christmas morning—scary stuff, but all behind me now.

On the home front, we’re delighted that Ari (and Henry) have been visiting while Ari is off for the summer. Henry is with us for a month to escape the Austin heat during which time Ari is traveling and pursuing his teaching certification. He bought a condo in Austin in December and his personal shopper/interior decorator (initials KS) was there both in person and online to help. Mission accomplished.

In May, Adam and Annabel spent 10 days in Israel with Honeymoon Israel and they LOVED it. (I hoped to overlap with them on a courier trip but had to settle for a couple of nights in TLV in June.) Annabel continues to work on her Ph.D in Science Education and Adam continues his work at MGB (Mass General Brigham).

Karen turned 65 late last month. Yes, it’s a biggie and she took the bull by the horns inviting our local close family for a special catered dinner which we hosted. We celebrated many other times with family and friends. Karen continues to kayak every chance she gets—summer fun!

My iron count can sometimes run low but my lifetime platelet donation total is getting up there–564 as of July 28th. I throw a pic on Facebook each time I donate, hoping to inspire others to give. As Frasier would say, I’m listening.

And where in the world have I been picking up and delivering bone marrow stem cells for transplant? Most recently Grenoble in the French Alps, Tel Aviv (you knew that), Bogota, Columbia, Hannover and Düsseldorf in Germany and Säo Paulo. Long flights, short stays, seeing the world, all good.

2022 was a year of devastating loss for our family. Annabel’s father, Keith died in February. He had been diagnosed with cancer before the kids were married, was in remission for many years and got the best possible care including CAR T-cell therapy at Dana Farber Cancer Institute when the cancer returned. Annabel’s mom Leesa was by his side 24/7. Keith was a man of God and loved by all who knew him. Zichrono livracha, may his memory be for a blessing.

This brings me to the purpose of this letter and my ask of you. We haven’t yet won this battle. There has been progress in the research and treatment of many cancers but not enough. Keith Moorman should be alive today. Same for your loved ones who succumbed to cancer. We're not done.

PMC dollars are critical to support the world-class cancer care and additional resources that DFCI provides to patients and their families. There’s a lot riding on us and I hope you’ll support me.

PMC donations are tax deductible and 100% will go to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The Pan-Mass Challenge only uses your personal information to thank you and will not share it with any other organizations.

You can also mail a check to me at 9 Coolidge Street Brookline, MA 02446 made out to PMC-Jimmy Fund. Every donation brings us closer by the mile.

Wishing you and yours all the best. Peace to all in these most challenging times. Hang in there!

Mel