Dear Friends and Family,

This summer will be my 11th year riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), a 192-mile 2-day bike-a-thon that raises money for life-saving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

My dad started biking in the PMC 24 years ago, when my grandpa, Gene, was diagnosed with cancer. He has ridden every year since, with my sister and me joining him the last 11+ years.

This year, we’ve unfortunately come full circle. Gene was diagnosed with cancer again. After six months of treatment, we are very thankful that his results have been extremely positive.

I am beyond grateful. Grateful for his resilience, for Ma - his amazing partner, for his medical team, and for the research and breakthroughs that have changed the cancer landscape over the past two decades.

Progress like this is only possible thanks to the generosity and support of people like you (whether through your kind words, encouragement, or donations).

I ride for them.
I ride for Gene.
I ride for all those we’ve loved and lost.

We ride for a future where cancer is no longer a life-altering diagnosis.

I’m asking you to support me by making a donation to my PMC ride. Every dollar brings us closer to a world without cancer. If you’re able to donate, no amount is too small. Every single penny I raise goes directly toward cutting-edge cancer research and treatment. Whether it’s $5 or $500, your support truly makes a difference.

If you’re unable to give right now, I completely understand. Sharing this message or offering words of encouragement means just as much. Thank you for helping us pedal closer to a world without cancer.

This year, I am directing my funds specifically to breast cancer research in honor of a friend's mom, a friend from high school, and a work colleague's partner, all of whom have been courageously fighting breast cancer over the past year+.

Thank you so much for your verbal and/or financial support.

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A THANK YOU NOTE FOR 2024:

I want to thank everyone again who supported me last year and in years past. For my 10th year riding last year, I rode in honor of Mr. Haight, who was my science teacher and soccer coach in high school. Mr. Haight was more than a teacher though; he was a beacon of knowledge, a guide through the intricate wonders of biology, and a mentor who saw the potential in every student. His classes weren't just about textbooks and exams; they were journeys of discovery, fueled by his passion for teaching and his genuine care for each student's success. As I take on the PMC challenge, I do so in honor of this incredible man who dedicated his life to education, inspiration, and the pursuit of knowledge and everyone else who has ever been impacted by cancer.

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A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT THE PMC:

The PMC has raised $1.047 billion for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute since its launch in 1980. Today, the PMC is the single largest contributor to Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund and is responsible for 66 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue.

For the 24th consecutive year, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center has been recognized as a Best Hospital for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. This year, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center is ranked as a Best Hospital for cancer care in New England and #4 in the nation.

See the profound impact the PMC has made on cancer research and treatment over the years here: https://view.publitas.com/pan-mass-challenge/pmc-2024-impact-report/page/1?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_jmPMD7HuSb4m8gqn2gRwY3egDMO7qMOQfJD9HLeVjK-inr15QKiCzAAnN8tfEGEI49cHtm-lzfN878iPfb3Q-htwfZQ&_hsmi=363910470&utm_content=363910470&utm_source=hs_email

Inclusion, Diversity & Equity in Cancer Medicine is a key component of The Dana-Farber Campaign, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's ambitious, multi-year $2 billion fundraising effort to prevent, treat, and Defy Cancer by accelerating revolutionary science, extraordinary care, and exceptional expertise.

Our hope and aspiration at the PMC is to provide Dana-Farber's doctors and researchers the necessary resources to discover cures for cancer.

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Thank you! Love,

Natalie