Dear Friends and Family
We hope this letter finds you well and you are enjoying the beginnings of summer. As the weather finally turns nice, we turn to our bikes, preparing for the 2013 Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC); the two-day bike ride from Wellesley to Provincetown, Massachusetts to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
This year Laura and I are riding in honor of Robin Feinberg. With bravery, strength and resourcefulness….Robin found her home at Dana-Farber despite living over 3,000 miles away
Robin (and family) is one of our oldest and dearest friends. We can trace our deep roots back to pre-K, neighbors and summer camp!!!
Robin started initial treatment in California where she lives. She had surgery that was complicated by a rare skin infection. Her cancer diagnosis was not straight forward as the doctors kept saying she was "unique". If you know Robin, you know that within 3 days of her diagnosis she had already completed about two years of medical school training on breast cancer.
Robin needed to find clarity along side confidence and expertise that would help her make the best decision and be at peace with the path she decided to take. She booked a flight to Boston for a second opinion.
Dr. Eric Winer (Laura and our mother’s breast cancer doctor) was my first call. Laura and I share the same confidence, respect and admiration for Dr. Winer. Which is why we choose TEAM WOW (Women’s Oncology on Wheels) to support with our PMC ride.
One week later, Robin her family and I, met with Dr. Winer. Although chills ran up my spine, not believing I was sitting with Robin, I felt the same confidence and comfort with Dr. Winer that I felt when he first met with my mother and sister in the years past. After the consult at Dana-Farber, Robin’s treatment plan had changed significantly from the plan she was given in LA. Robin not only found clarity and confidence, but more importantly she found a comprehensive care team that put her at ease.
Cancer centers are depending on our help. Laura and I are riding to support this wonderful institution and we ask of your support in honor of our dear friend Robin who came to Dana-Farber and never looked back. Dana-Farber made that much of a difference in her life, please help us continue to treat everyone who walks through the doors with the same level of discovery and care.
Like you, we know many people who are currently fighting cancer along with too many who only live in our memories and we’ve committed ourselves to doing something about it! The PMC is the vital source of pure research and clinical support revenue for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The PMC is the largest, most successful sports fundraising event in the world, attracting over 5,000 riders and 2,500 volunteers for a two-day cycling event across Massachusetts. We are honored to participate in the PMC and are looking to you to be a part of this experience. We have committed to raise $10,000 for Team WOW, Women's Oncology on Wheels, which supports Dr. Eric Winer’s research for Women’s Cancer. 100% of every dollar PMC cyclists’ raise goes directly to cancer research.
Thank you for reading our story and for your donation!! You will only receive one letter on behalf of Laura and I and we will be sharing all funds raised so you can donate to one or both of our accounts.
Ways to donate: Online here, on my page. You may mail a check (made out to PMC)
On behalf of Laura, myself and all riders, thank you and we appreciate your support. Your donation WILL change lives.
Live well, laugh often, and love much - Deb Yolin Raley and Laura Brande