An Update Since Last Year

In 2024, Rich and I together raised over $36,500 for Dr. Jacobsen and his team at Dana Farber to study Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis. As many of you know it's been 3 and a half years since Claudia has been diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis. For those of you who haven't been in the loop about Claudia's progress since last year's Pan-Mass, she has had two brain surgeries. The first surgery was to biopsy a new tumor. The second surgery installed a high-tech adjustable valve to drain excess fluid from her brain. She is also on a new cancer drug which she takes for 21 days and then is off for 7 days. Despite the challenges of both surgeries and the new drug, Claudia continues to battle the cancer with a great attitude.

Each time I see Claudia, I am reminded of the importance of persistence and a positive attitude. I continue to be inspired by her and Rich and am glad I can put in this effort to help them move forward in their journey. This year we have successfully expanded our team and are working towards exceeding last year's fundraising. Please join me in making a donation to Dana Farber.

Thank you in advance.

Why I PanMass?

Sometimes in life you meet people by happenstance who end up becoming like family. People who take a great interest in your life and wellbeing, people that open their lives to you, people you share laughs with, people you create lasting memories with, and people that fill your heart with love.

In 2011, I met Rich and Claudia at one of the annual MS 150 rides. Rich was a friend of a friend who loved cycling. At the time he was just another rider in cycling pants. I didn’t realize that ten years later my kids would be asking for Mr. Rich on a Sunday morning. My relationship with Claudia began at the finish line where she cheered on Rich. That evolved into coffee after our weekend rides at their RI home, wine parties, and cycling adventures out in CA.

Claudia does not cycle but has always motivated me with her daily walks that show up on my Strava feed. She is a strong, fierce, independent woman, outstanding mom, and a fabulous wife. In 2022, Claudia was diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis and is being treated by Dr. Eric D. Jacobsen and his team at Dana Farber. Despite this being incredibly unfair, Claudia has focused her energy on climbing this challenging hill.