I am riding in my 7th Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) in support of cancer research with hope that someday no one must face the fear, anxiety, and loss that cancer can create. The PMC this year is particularly special for the McDuff family, as Madison is approaching an important 5-year milestone.

There are many worthwhile causes in need of financial support. Unfortunately, like Madison and I first learned in June 2019, cancer does not discriminate. Madison is healthy and doing well after finishing treatment in October of 2020, thanks in part to cancer fundraising initiatives like the PMC that assist in the development of the molecular targeted therapy and chemotherapy drugs that saved her life.

On June 3, 2019, Madison was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Stage III breast cancer. Madison was only 27 years old and days away from becoming ‘Momma’ to our daughter, Rory. But, like so many families have learned, cancer does not discriminate. Over ~18 months, Madison underwent 20 rounds of chemo, 25 rounds of radiation, 17 targeted drug therapy sessions, and had multiple surgeries (see my Gallary for photos from those 24 months). Madison has been an absolute warrior throughout the journey, and we are so incredibly grateful for all of the love and support, from friends and family near and far, that we have received along the way.

Dana-Farber is a leading cancer research and treatment institute. It is also where Madison received treatment for cancer and is the organization we trust with her continued care today. Madison has received excellent care at Dana-Farber and, in some ways, it has become a second home to my family – it is a place we find kindness, confidence and love.

100% of every rider-raised dollar goes to Dana-Farber and the people that run the PMC are incredible. I have had the wonderful opportunity to interact with several PMC employees through my work, and the organization has gone out of its way to support Madison’s treatment.