Here we go – 2025 – my 9th PMC. I took a break from riding last year and it was nice, but man did I miss being part of the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. So I’m at it again. Cancer has once again hit my family and I’m madder than hell. I’m so tired of hearing all the stories and seeing all the loss. PMC has raised over 1 billion dollars and it’s still not enough to end cancer, but boy has it helped so many people – research, treatments, support. I’m so proud to be part of this cause and to be riding this year. I hope you’ll be able to support my ride once again. Breaks over people – let’s go!
My Story: “You have a brain tumor the size of a silver dollar. It needs to come out. How’s next Tuesday?” Dr. Martuza, Chief of Neurosurgery, MGH, 2012. FIVE DAYS! Five days to get my affairs in order. Five days to write my will. Five days to have the “quality of life” discussion with my big brother. Five days to find a way to let my loved ones know how much they mean to me without scaring the bejesus out of them. Five days to wonder if those five would be my last.
I remember the morning of my surgery and the months to follow, oddly, with great joy, being wheeled away from my sisters after telling them, “Don’t worry. I’m not afraid. I love you.” Nine hours later I awoke to the caring faces of the rest of the Ricci clan. The care and love the weeks and months to follow is indescribable. I will always be grateful.
“Your tumor is growing back; you have to start radiation treatments.” Dr. Martuza, 2016. Just when you think you’re out of the woods, bam, you get slapped down again. I was devastated, wallowing in self-pity. But something changed as I sat in the waiting area at MGH Burr Proton Therapy Center. As I looked around at other patients wondering about their stories, one young boy, who had clearly recently had brain surgery, stood out among the rest. I will tell you that Proton Beam Therapy is no picnic, and on that day, during that treatment, as I was strapped down, in essence, bound and gagged to keep my head and body perfectly still as they sent very precise radiation beams to attack my tumor, my perspective changed. I cried. I cried for that young boy; I cried for all the courageous people who fight this and other battles every day; I cried for me.
2021 - Really? Again? This guy does not want to stop growing, taunting me and reminding me that it can choose to grow or spread whenever it wants. But it's all a part of life, isn't it? I have learned to live with the uncertainty and do my best to embrace it.
2022 - Slight growth, but I'm not concerned. I'll see you in a year. Dr. Carter, Chief of Neurosurgy, MGH.
2023 - No growth in the past year. I don't want to see you for two years. Dr. Carter, Chief of Neurosurgy, MGH. Music to my ears!
2025 - I'll need to get in the machine again this summer, but I feel great so no need to worry. Will keep you posted.
DONATE
Please help me reach my goal of $10,000.00 (100% of which will go to the Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber Cancer Institute,) by donating on line and clicking on the DONATE TO MY RIDE tab and following the instructions.
Please ask your Human Resources department if they have a matching gift program and follow their process for a matching donation. Your donation is tax deductible and 100% will go to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. To learn more about the Pan-Mass Challenge, please visit www.pmc.org.
If you prefer to write a check or donate cash, let me know, pjricci9@gmail.com
