Doing the PMC again this year. Will be my fifth time and I keep asking myself: Why the heck am I doing this??  It's not like I look even remotely good in Spandex.  

Truth is, there are so many reasons. But the biggest one is the simplest to explain.

I am riding because cancer sucks.

I’ve heard cancer summarized this way by many who have had it.

If you've had it or been around it, you know. It sucks. In so many ways.

This year, the PMC will raise $52,000,000 in JUST ONE WEEKEND (despite COVID impact) and give it ALL to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. All of it!  Absolutely mind blowing.

So, I'm riding for the many I've known who have randomly drawn the short straw. They got the “Big C.” Some have survived, but too many of my family and friends have not.

I am riding for my Dad, Asher, who beat cancer years ago and did it with little fanfare.

I am riding for my Father-In-Law, Ramon Jarazo, who fought the good fight for 4+ years only to succumb a few weeks before Dee and I were married.

I am riding for my Mother-In-Law, Peg Jarazo, who valiantly battled lung cancer without a complaint or hint of self-pity. Even in the end, she was a rock.

I am riding for my friend Charlie Moutsoulas, who lost his fight. Along the way he endured more pain than anyone should … especially a guy as good as him. Though he is gone many years now, my memory of him is still particularly strong. I miss our political banter.

I am riding for John Carroll, our attorney and friend who succumb to cancer at 51 and left behind four children and a loving wife.

And the list goes on and on.

So, give what you can. $10? $25? $50? $100? It all adds up.  

And finally, please send me a photo and a couple of sentences of someone you love who was faced with the awful challenge Cancer presents. I am planning to take all of the photos and writings with me on the ride. This way you can say that you, your mom, dad, brother, sister, friend, etc. road the Pan Mass! And, if, time permits, I’ll share these stories on FB leading up to the ride and when I get to different rest stops. I've done this before and not only does it snap into focus the importance of raising money for this terrible disease, it also serves as an ode to all those who fought the fight.

Now, please excuse me as I have to go train.  What the hell was I thinking?!!

Thanks,

Rick