Why I Ride ...
I'd like to dedicate my 2011 PMC journey to:
William Devonshire
Robert McGovern
Vivian Dygowski
Susan M. Lantz
PMC weekend was a real success. Along the route I was very moved by the number of people on their lawns cheering in the wee hours of the morning (and in the rain) with the enthusiasm of those who knew first hand the hard truths about cancer.
I was also inspired by the success stories of riders who fought and beat cancer -- words can't express how impressive I found their presence and performance over the course of the ride. It was not an easy course -- especially through the dunes close to the end where a combination of miles ridden, whipping wind and undulating hills tried to defend the finish line.
The PMC created a t-shirt for this weekend that I think summarizes the leap a first time rider makes when signing up for this event, it read: "Commit - you'll figure it out." It had sold out by the time I'd seen and considered its message, but I found it to be a pretty efficient description of my own understanding, process, path to action.
All in all, a very positive experience. I could not have done it without all of those who supported this ride and cause. Thank you again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Since January I've been asked many times why I would sign up for something that would require the fund raising and physical demands of the PMC -- these things are hard. But their difficulty pale in comparison to fighting cancer -- this is truly one of mankind's most difficult challenges.
President John F. Kennedy once addressed mankind's inherent pursuit of difficult challenges in a now famous speech about traveling to the moon -- a seemingly impossible idea that we now take for granted. This challenge is in many ways no different than our current fight against cancer:
We choose to [do these] things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard. Because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills. Because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win.
I am asking for your support in this fight. Every dollar you contribute goes directly to funding research, innovative treatments, and patient support.
We are in this one together.
Sincerely,
Patrick D. Rondeau
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Everyone I know has been affected by cancer. My family, friends...everyone.
The statistics are staggering: 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be directly affected by cancer in their lifetime.
This August 6-7, I am raising funds for the Dana Farber Cancer Research Center through the Pan Mass Challenge because I want to play a part in finding a cure.
Undoubtedly, fighting cancer in all of its forms, is much more difficult on a personal, physical and emotional level than this two-day, 190-mile ride, but I'd rather start working toward a cure now than at some later date.
I've been on my bike tearing around Western MA in preparation--I've never ridden this far before! Please support me by contributing to this great cause.
Last year 100% of rider-raised revenue went directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure.
This year marks the beginning of my personal long-term effort to
make a difference by connecting my sporting events to fundraising for
good causes.
Please consider joining me in this fight. Donate now. Make a difference today!
