This will be my 20th consecutive year riding in the Pan Mass Challenge, a 2-day, 192-mile bike ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown, MA to raise funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. It is an honor to be a part of the PMC Family, a force united by a common goal.
As many of you know, in May of 2022, my mother, Patti Barucci, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, after suffering a seizure. My family was simply shattered. For 18 months, my mother fought this disease with the grace and grit that only Patti Barucci could muster. On Thanksgiving of 2023, after 18 hard fought months, I lost my beautiful mother to this disease. Cancer, you are a cruel, cruel thief. I am heartbroken beyond measure. This year and for every year after, I will be riding for my mother, Patti Barucci. I always will. I simply must. I miss her more than I ever thought possible.
Roughly 10,000 people annually in the United States develop Glioblastoma. It is rare among cancer in general, yet common among primary brain cancers. The need for new therapies to treat this particular type of cancer is just staggering. Breakthroughs and Clinical Trials are in critical need. This year I will be donating all of your generous donations- 100%- to directly fund Glioblastoma Research in memory of my beautiful mother.
I've made a personal commitment to ride and raise $10,000. I hope you can help me achieve this significant goal. As I have for 20 years, I will be wearing ribbons on my shirt with the names of loved ones who have, or have had, cancer. If you wish, please send me the name of anyone you would like to take along with me, and I will add their ribbon to my jersey. It would be an honor to have them with me every pedal stroke of the way. To the hope of new therapies ahead – I thank you.
Always,
Nicole
My Links
Top 10 Best Moments Riding in the 2013 PMC!
My Bike Fights Cancer
And That's a Wrap!
31 Reasons.
A Decade of Riding in the PMC. A Lifetime of Lessons Learned
