For 15 years - initially a two-year-old in a stroller, staring off as my father embarked on his first Pan-Mass Challenge - I had watched my father ride. From seeing him take off in Sturbridge to meeting him at rest stops and watching him arrive in Boston on the ferry, I had always wanted to accompany him on his journey. Seven years ago, I decided it was my turn to join the cause. The experience was unforgettable and this fundraiser remains one of my favorite weekends of each summer. This year, I will be riding once more alongside thousands of others who wish to take a stand in the never-ending fight against cancer.
I will honor my commitment to the Pan-Mass Challenge for the 7th time with my father on his 22th endeavor, accompanied by my brother on his second journey across MA. Starting at 5:00 AM on Saturday morning, we will ride 110 miles from Sturbridge, MA to the Cape Cod Canal in Bourne, MA. The following morning, we are back on our bikes at sunrise to ride 77 miles through Cape Cod, from the Canal to Provincetown, with the support of thousands of other riders and essential volunteers.
The PMC is the largest fund raiser for the Jimmy Fund, a non-profit organization that supports cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I will be riding for the team “FLAMES” (Fast Legs and Minds End Suffering) and we are a proud supporter of the PMC because it is leading the charge to beat cancer. Every year, 100% of the record-breaking rider-raised revenue goes directly to supporting the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s tireless commitment to finding a cure.
Cancer is a thief. It steals the people we love from us too early and too often. I ride for all those lives lost, as well as their families, and to help fund the ground-breaking research I will be conducting as an employee of the Dana-Farber’s Department of Pediatric Oncology for my sixth year. Team FLAMES has young cancer survivors called Pedal Partners. Can you imagine the strength of our jersey designer, 9-year-old Zoey, or her parents persisting through their journey at the Jimmy Fund Clinic? The FLAMES team has witnessed our pedal partners accomplish the impossible. This year, our 2017 pedal partner is an official PMC rider - we ride for a cure, we ride to make a difference!
To achieve my personal target goal of $10,000 to be donated to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, I am asking all my friends and family members for their assistance – any possible amount WILL make a difference. Thank you for your donation and thank you for your help in finding a cure.
