Here I am once again begging for donations to my PMC2024 as there is still a lot to accomplish to get rid of cancer. Last year, I told you all I was riding for Ellen, my sister from another mother, as she was determined to beat pancreatic cancer, and sadly, she left us at the end of last year. Her dignity and determination to fight this disease were truly inspirational, as she often spent time comforting others during her visits. I am trying to be a better and kinder person because of her. Let's say I am still a work in progress and leave it there. What I can do is once again suit up and do the ride. I have lost my mom, my brother, two sisters-in-law, and one currently in remission. I hope that raising this money for research will end there. 

I am fortunate to be blessed with four beautiful grandkids, Charlie, Maisie, Tilda, and Gibby, and we ride for their future cancer-free. I will ride with my husband Richard, my son Max, and my daughter Erica. Yes, it has become a family affair.

You see, back in 2013, on the eve of another PMC weekend, Max learned that he was going to have his fifth surgery in as many years for his very easy-to-cure thyroid cancer. He didn't share the news until after the ride because he didn't want to upset me even though he was going to be the one in surgery. He said, Mom, you have to do this ride, and I will help you, do it to kick cancer.

More than a dozen years ago, in the scope of six months, both my husband and son were diagnosed with cancer. As a mother and a wife, I am eternally grateful for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and all they have done for my family and countless others to help research, treat, and cure many forms of cancer. Through this community of doctors and survivors, we found the Pan Mass Challenge. So, once again, I will squeeze into my spandex and pedal to end cancer.

Please donate what you can; donations are super appreciated. 

Peggy