This March I turned 52. For the first time in 52 years, I was not woken from a deep sleep by a goofy rendition of “Happy Birthday”. I never knew how much I’d miss that until cancer stole it from me. With that Happy Birthday alarm clock, cancer also stole my Mom, my best friend. Almost 18 months after being diagnosed with an extremely rare type of colon cancer, signet ring cell, my fearless, faith filled, strong, optimistic hero lost her battle to this horrendous disease at the age of 71.
This is why this year will be my first Pan Mass Challenge. After watching my Mom suffer through 4 surgeries and almost 500 hours of the most aggressive form of chemotherapy available and to still have cancer win, I decided that we have to do better. We need to do More research for treatment options for all types of cancers. “I’m sorry, there are no other options” are words that should never be spoken.
Im riding this year with the hope that someday no parent will have to grieve their precious child because of cancer. I ride for special loved ones I have lost, especially my Mom, my mother in law, Elaine Bunny Fecteau (at the young age of 55!) and my sweet Mammy. I ride for frriends and loved ones still battling. And I ride to celebrate those who have won their battles. We need more to celebrate!
Since its founding in 1980, PMC riders like me have raised more than $1 billion for lifesaving cancer research, treatment and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, one of the country's top cancer care hospitals. My PMC is making a difference in the lives of patients at Dana-Farber and around the world. The funds I raise support the innovative work of doctors, nurses, and scientists in their search for cures for cancers and related diseases.
100 percent of every dollar I raise goes directly to Dana-Farber, meaning that your donation has a real impact! Please donate to my PMC fundraising and help me reach my fundraising goal.
I wish you all many more Happy Birthdays with those you love.
Thank you so much for your support!
Nicole
