After a few years sitting on the sidelines, I am thrilled to get back in the saddle for my third PMC ride on team Wheelin For Woody in support of such an incredible cause that is near and dear to our hearts. I will be riding these 162 miles in memory of my dad, Doug “Woody” Woodruff, who died from colon cancer in 1999. While my dad only had 39 years on this earth, he certainly made the most of those years and touched the lives of countless people along the way. His spirit was infectious, his laugh was contagious, and he made an impression on everyone who knew him. I am excited to continue to honor his legacy with such an incredible group of people during this year’s Pan Mass Challenge. I know he will be smiling down on us the entire ride and joining in the celebrations in spirit!

Although I was only 8 years old when my dad died, this experience left a lasting impression on our family. Over the years, we have all been involved in various philanthropic and volunteer opportunities that support Dana Farber, including the Jimmy Fund Walk and the PMC. For me personally, my dad’s battle with cancer sparked my interest in medicine and caring for those who are sick. For the past 3+ years, I have worked as a Nurse Practitioner in the Sarcoma center at Dana Farber, where I see firsthand the impact that the PMC has on our patients each and every day. My colleagues are some of the smartest, most compassionate people I have ever met and everyone is united by the tireless drive to more effectively treat and prevent cancer. Every day I feel so honored to be a part of my patients' journeys as they navigate this disease.

To say that I am inspired and humbled by these experiences is an understatement. I am continually inspired by the strength and resilience of my patients as they face this disease, and it is my hope that riding in the PMC and raising money for Dana Farber will play a small part in honoring the lives we lost too soon. It is hard to believe that my dad lost his battle to colon cancer 26 years ago, but it is encouraging seeing how far the field of cancer research has come since then. I am certain that we are moving in the direction of more effective cancer treatment and prevention, which is why I am so passionate about being part of this year’s PMC to raise money for Dana Farber.

The tough training rides and seemingly endless hills on the bike are nothing compared to what cancer patients go through. I have made a personal commitment to ride and raise $6000 in my dad's name and I hope you all can help me achieve this goal by contributing. Everything helps and no donation is too small!

Thank you so much for your help... I couldn’t do this without your generous support!

Love,

Meggie