“TB 12 Maniacs”
Kerry Baldwin
Sean Corbett
Charles Flynn
Kerri Harrington
John Hoey
Haley Holland
Evan Lai
Corey Ledin
Mary Ledin, Team Captain
Patricia Marini
Jennifer McAteer
Jeanne McCloskey
Debra Moody
Michelle Pevarnek
Susan Ragon
Kerry Taylor
Our Team was originally organized in 2008. We subsequently designated the team as “Team Pauline Greene” in honor of Pauline Greene of Braintree, Massachusetts, who was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer in September 2009. Sadly, after a very tough battle, Pauline passed away on December 3, 2010 at the age of only 46. Pauline was truly an inspiration. Despite her devastating situation there was always a smile on Pauline’s lips. She was clearly loved by so many and she reflected back that love through her inner strength and amazingly positive attitude, leaving all who knew her with an overwhelming feeling of admiration and respect. We also rode on behalf of Karen Gilmore, who, happily, is now a 13 year cancer survivor.
The Team will be riding again this year in memory of family members and friends that have lost their battle with cancer, as well as in honor of family members and friends who are currently battling this disease. While cancer is a worldwide illness, it hurts us the most when it strikes close to home. It is the strength and determination of those who persevere and struggle against cancer each and every day that inspires us to emulate their courage and thereby meet the challenge of this ride. Sadly, there are several people, among them children, parents, brothers and friends, who are close to our Team members and for whom we are riding this year --
Mason Giove. A 15 year old son of Michelle Pevarnek's friend, Mason was diagnosed on June 24, 2005 with prilocytic astrocytoma in the mid-brain. Since last November Mason has endured multiple brain surgeries. He was sent home only to be rushed back to Children's Hospital for emergency surgery. Mason is a true fighter and his parents are amazing supporters of their son.
Carly Silva (Kerri Harrington's friend's daughter) is fighting against lymphoma.
Joanne McAteer (Jennifer McAteer's mother) is battling breast, lung and brain cancer.
John Sullivan (Debra Moody's father) was just diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Justin Teague (Debra Moody's best friend's husband) is also fighting colorectal cancer
Kevin Tracey (Jeanne McCloskey's brother) has prostate and bone cancer.
Mark Tracey (Jeanne McCloskey's brother) is suffering from lymphoma
Bill O’Donnell (a friend and former work colleague of Susan Ragon) had leukemia.
We also acknowledge and pay tribute to people like our past team participant Paula LaGambina’s nephew, Tim, who was diagnosed at age 14 with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and is now twelve years cancer free; and Paula’s sister, Angela, who remains cancer free after being diagnosed six years ago with breast cancer, and our friend, Michael Holland, who has been in remission now for two years – these are but a few of the many people whose grace and resolve in the face of this deadly disease have continued to energize our Team’s passion and willpower to carry on our fight against cancer through the Pan Mass Challenge rides over these many years.
With each cycle of our feet on our pedals we remember and pray for our loved ones who have succumbed to this insidious disease, and with each mile that we ride we continue their struggle for them, as well as for those who are fighting cancer today, tomorrow and beyond. It is an emotional journey for many of us, but one that we look forward to each year as our way of helping to beat this scourge. At the end of the day, although our bodies feel the physical drain of the ride upon our muscles, our spirits are exhilarated by the love that this effort exudes and represents.
We believe that by raising money together through the Pan Mass Challenge we can continue to fund the vital research necessary to find a cure. Last year 100% of rider-raised revenue went directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in finding a cure. We are very fortunate to be part of this worthy cause and with the help of others and their generous contributions we each look forward to reaching our respective goals. We believe that all of us together, whether as a rider, a donor or a volunteer, are the ultimate team -- Boston Strong -- and ready to fight on -- until we win!
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Team TB 12 Maniacs
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