Dear family and friends,
Thank you for continuing to support us in our Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) rides. We can’t believe we are within days of PMC 2024. It is our 13th year riding and we remain committed to the battle against cancer. You all have helped us raise over $116,000 to date. We are humbled by all of those who have asked if we are riding and if they can support us again.
Thinking about the PMC this year has been challenging. As we would guess may be true for many of you, we have friends and family who have battled, who are newly battling, and who have lost their battles with cancer this year. As most of you know, we were first motivated to ride the PMC because of my personal experience being diagnosed with and treated for thyroid cancer in 1999. As we often say, we feel incredibly fortunate that I had cancer with a lower case “c”.
It is hard to believe we lost Alan 8 years ago to pancreatic cancer. We continue to draw upon his wisdom, imagine his advice, and know he is guiding us as we navigate some of the “trickier” moments of life.
Among those we ride in honor of this year is a dear friend and our long time PMC cheerleader, Elena Hanley who has battled breast cancer. Elena has openly shared her courageous battle and treatment, inspiring us and reminding us of the power of connection, communication and healing. Heartbreakingly, we also ride in memory of our dear friend Betsy who tragically passed away from cancer too young.
In case of interest, here’s a little flavor from last year:
It was a beautiful weekend. We had forgotten just how powerful and inspiring it is to ride with everyone. Even when the weather is less than great, we feel blessed. But it’s nice not to have to battle wind, cold, heat, rain, etc and last year was pretty perfect. We started out from Babson with 8 fellow Turkey Hill Gang teammates and 2500 of our other best friends. No mishaps, no double tire blowouts. Got to stop and say hi to our friend Benny, 22 years old now, looking better than he did last year, and still looking longingly at all the bikers flying by. The run into Lakeville was heart-rending as always, with Suz commenting that there seem to be more posters than ever of the kids battling cancer. A highlight every year is coming up the hill to a crew of the best cheerleaders in Onset. Perfect timing 83 miles into the ride with tired legs.
Another meaningful moment as always was turning right out to the Provincetown dunes at the end of day 2. It was a very solemn and yet peaceful last few miles, giving us space to pause for a moment and remember all those for whom we ride. Then our friend and Sherpa extraordinaire Marilyn gave us a much appreciated ride back to Onset for shower, another meal and time w friends on Luann’s porch. We ended the night w gorgeous flares lining the water all the way around Onset.
We really appreciate all of you who continue to support this healing event so that we can someday live in a world free of cancer!!! Whether you continue to donate a little, a lot, or are sending us emotional support, we are honored and humbled to have such a loving community supporting us. Please know that we are grateful riding in honor of so many of you and your loved ones.
Love,
Suzanne and Tim
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