Friends, Family, Collegues,
It is often said that when a cure for cancer is found, the PAN-MASS Challenge (PMC) will be mentioned in the same sentence. I am extremely fortunate this year to be participating in the PAN MASS Challenge pedaling my bike from Wellesley to Provincetown 161 miles over 2 days to raise money for cancer research and treatments. This is a personal journey for me, as I lost my Mom Kathy to the disease in 2014.
Since its founding in 1980, PMC riders like me have raised more than $1 billion for lifesaving cancer research, treatment and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, one of the country's top cancer care hospitals. The funds I raise support the innovative work of doctors, nurses, and scientists in their search for cures for cancers and related diseases.
My fundraising efforts are aligned with Team Precision for Kids, a charity directly impacting the lives of children with cancer. Team Precision for Kids focuses on improving cancer outcomes with less invasive treatments for pediatric patients. Historically cancer treatment has been approached as a one size fits all. The team of Doctors supporting Team Precision for Kids pioneered some of the early genome sequencing research to take a more customized (Precise) approach to an individual's particular cancer treatment.
Recent breakthroughs include treatments that forgo chemotherapy for an oral medicine (pill) allowing their pediatric patients to avoid the harsh side effects of chemotherapy.
In addition, this team has been focused on new less invasive ways to track the progression of the disease, and measure the effectiveness of treatment. Historic methods included tumor biopsies which are invasive and often extremely painful. The new methods being pioneered by the team can accomplish improved results through a simple blood test.
The ultimate outcome of this research is allowing children to focus on being children, and not the harsh side effects of traditional cancer treatments.
Please support my ride by donating to this tremendous charity whereby 100% of your donation and match will go toward cancer research and treatment.
Donate Online on this site - https://donate.pmc.org/TM0507
Company Match? - Many generous employers, including my employer Palo Alto Networks offer a charitable donation company match. I would be beyond greatful to take advantage of this benefit if possible. Important- When submitting for a company match please document “Supporting Tim Mersereau - PMC ID TM0507 and the fund Gain and iCat Research Fund. in the comments section.
Sincerly,
Tim
