When I first updated this page in early January I would never have been able to imagine the things that were to follow only a month or so later.
The entire world changed for many people. People lost their livelihoods, their connections with family and friends, the ability to move outside the home without fear and most upsetting, many people have lost their lives all to an unforeseen event.... Covid-19.
Because of the virus, Covid-19, the PMC is not able to be exactly what it has been for the past 40 years. It has had to be reimagined into something different for each participant because despite the devastation of the Coronavirus, cancer is still with us, and still needs a cure.
Since January, my Mom has found out she has a second lung cancer. She was incredibly lucky to be able to have radiation treatments in Boston during the pandemic and is feeling good.
My good friend and founder of Lungstrong, Diane, continues her battle with lung cancer and is having very positive results on a clinical trial. Because of her cancer however, she has had to miss out on weeks of her families lives because of her high risk of serious illness if she contracts Covid-19. She has had to quarantine away from friends and family which is an almost unbearable side effect of her cancer.
In addition, we had a hard year losing some people close to us after all struggled in courageous fights against cancer. Wes's Aunt Susie fought pancreatic cancer with such bravery and spirit for nearly 5 years and was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. My cousin's wife lost her father after he bravely defeated cancer, only to succumb to the devastating side effects that some treatments cause. He was also such a testament to living life to its fullest even when life is being less than fair to you. And finally, one of Wes's closest friends passed after a battle with brain cancer. He leaves behind a beautiful family and passed in the prime of his life. He was forty six years old.
THIS IS WHY WE RIDE AND WHY FUNDRAISING IS STILL SO CRITICAL!
I am so lucky that my husband Wes has been able to ride with me through out these long months. We have rode over 750 miles together and we have decided to still do a two day ride for our two very important causes.
On June 27th we will be riding 75 miles in our MS outfits to raise funds for the National MS Society. On June 28th we will switch into our Lungstrong uniforms and ride 75 miles for our reimagined PMC.
I know these times are financially challenging for many people and the PMC understands that too. There is no minimum fundraising this year so any donation amount will be so greatly appreciated by myself and all those affected by cancer.
Thank you so much for your time, for your past donations and for helping to find a cure for cancer. Stay healthy!
Love, Sarah
