Why do I ride? ….. I was once again confronted with this question when one of my kids weighed in: Mom, I thought you retired from the PMC ... a reasonable statement from a loved one given my age and the challenge of training on local roads. But this year, with two of my sisters, and too many friends, diagnosed with cancer, this just isn't the year to step back. And so I ride because supporting cancer research is personal, purposeful and meaningful.
It's been 12 years since my own diagnosis... the day that life as I had known it, was forever changed. Locally advanced breast cancer... an incredibly scary diagnosis, and one that I deal with to this day. How do I keep going? A wise friend once told me to work like it depends on you, and pray like it depends on God. Sage advice indeed! Every day, I deliberately choose to live with hope, gratitude, and determination... it's the only way I know, and I will do my part to keep this cancer at bay. And so, I ride confident that dollars raised today WILL make a difference.
I am pushing 65 years old, so, seriously, I am no spring chicken and this ride is a challenge!! Add to that the fact that spending time on the golf course ... or on the lake .... or with my grandchildren trumps hitting the road... ok, so I am a l'il behind on my training. I can play catch up in the coming days with some hill training and a long ride. Bottom line: I committed to riding across Massachusetts, so I will I do what it takes to be prepared. I never know what I will face in August .... a flat tire, rain, or hot and humid weather, but whatever the PMC ride throws at me, I know that this annual trek fills me with hope and reminds me of the gift found in each new day.
It's empowering to be able to do my part in making a difference in the race to find a cure for cancer. 100% of the funds raised for this ride, support vital research like the trial I participated in the past 2 years. Recent progress offers so much promise … blood tests to detect circulating tumor DNA before recurrence, drugs to interrupt recurrence, targeted therapies that are less harsh, using one's immune system to fight cancer...these new technologies offer hope to those dealing with cancer. More years... more life... more joy.... I remain hopeful and committed to supporting this cause.
I am dedicating my ride this year to family and friends who are in their own battles with cancer... For Clare, John, Maria, Renee, Michele, Julie, Gina, Bryan, Bill, Mike, Jack, and, especially, this year for my sisters Maureen and Christine.... I have watched you face your cancer with great courage and determination... leaving no doubt that #Carneystrong is a super-power! Thoughts of you and all those who I carry on my bike will help me to find the strength I will need for every mile and the endurance to tackle every hill. I will not quit! I also ride remembering dear friends whose lives ended much too soon … for Robin, Tracy, Mike, Jeff, Bryan, Maryalice, Annemarie and Sheila. I am riding to remember and honor these friends and so many others who are battling, or have battled, cancer.
PMC donates 100% of every rider-raised dollar to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. I hope that you will consider supporting my ride.
