Welcome to 2020, a new year with significant new challenges to be overcome, along with the continuing challenges, including the fight against cancer. Once again I am honored to be a participant in this fundraising event.

Although the official 2-day ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown scheduled for August 1 & 2 has been cancelled due to COVID-19, my Team Berio members and I plan to complete a two day ride on the same weekend. Day 1 will be approximately 104 miles, starting in Worcester and ending in Wareham. Day 2 will be approximately 63 miles starting from the Cape Cod Canal and ending in P-Town. I know this has been a challenging year but I hope you will once again be my virtual companion in the saddle!

Last year, you and I and many others raised and donated 63 million to Dana Farber! The PMC funds comprise 50% of Dana Farber's annual budget -50%! As stated by Dr. Laurie Glimcher [see below a link to the article], ... the PMC plays a critical role in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer... Dr. Glimcher goes on to state that PMC funds have funded research, enabling DanaFarber to lead the field in discovery and innovation; to provide essential funding for the patients and their families before, during and after treatment; to increase treatment options; to improve drug developments, and other notable advances in this fight against cancer. Hopefully, if we continue chipping away at this together, soon there will be no need for future PMC fundraisers because we will have conquered cancer. PLEASE JOIN ME ON THE ROAD AGAIN!!

My first ride was in 1988, compelled by my father's devastating and ultimately fatal experience with cancer. Fast forward 30 years to my second ride in 2018 after my sister Martha lost her valiant fight. The ongoing tragedy of cancer, coupled with the magic of the ride has kept me committed to continue to participate in this fundraiser. This year I am riding in memory of my other friends and family members that we have lost to cancer, including Matt Brophy, Chris Galley, Mary Corliss, Anne Kittle, Chuck Brophy, Matthew Caldbeck, Frank, Susie Childs and Betsy Hurley. I am also riding in honor of my friends and family that have fought and WON the battle with cancer, including Matty Brophy Jr., Betsy Pinkus, Betsy Meek, Michele Boulogne-Kinnealey, Ann Childs, Bethany Uptegrove, Kevin Brophy, Mary Harrington, and Alison Leonard. Sadly there are too many other names that could be added to these two lists. I am also riding for all the future sisters, brothers, friends, etc. - so that together, through the funding of innovative research and development, we stop the disease forever and ultimately win this war.

I am a proud member of Rockland Trust Company's Team Berio; named after our Pedal Partner Dylan Berio, a 12 year old boy who has been battling brain cancer since he was two. Although Dylan does not ride, he is appropriately called our pedal partner because the pedaling propelling the ride is 100% powered by his spirit, and the spirits of our loved ones also devastated by this disease. Please consider putting your power behind the pedals too by making a donation, thank you! Every penny and positive thought is needed and appreciated.

100% of rider-raised revenue goes directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's commitment to finding a cure, therefore, you can rest assured that your donation is well spent!

https://www.pmc.org/blog/glimcher2019impactletter

PANDEMIC PMC

PESTILENCE & POLITICAL UNREST WILL NOT STAND IN OUR WAY,

A DEDICATED PMC TEAM WILL PERSERVERE, WE ARE HERE TO STAY.

NO CROSSING GUARDS, NO CROWDS OF THOUSANDS AND SADLY, NO CHEERING FANS;

DESPITE THESE DAUNTING OBSTACLES, THE TEAM DEVELOPS PLANS.

ENVISIONING A FUTURE - CANCER FREE FOR ALL OF YOU AND MAYBE ME;

MAYBE IF WE CONTINUE WORKING TOGETHER, OUR DREAM WILL COME TO BE.

INSIDE OUR HEARTS, OUR LOVE ONES LOST, RESIDE IN PEACE AND TRUST;

CALLING UPON US TO DO ALL WE CAN TO BEAT THIS FOE – WE MUST!

PLEASE SEND A PRAYER THIS RIDE WILL FARE SO WELL FOR ALL OUR TEAM,

MAY ALL RIDE SAFE, MAY WE MEET OUR GOALS AND ULTIMATELY FULFILL OUR DREAM;

CONQUER CANCER – I HOPE – WE MUST – AT LEAST THAT IS OUR SCHEME!

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MARTHA

Our hearts are broken, our tears cannot dry; God has taken our dear sister Martha, and we cannot fathom why

She was too young to go, of that we are sure; Her family is bereft, since the day she was no more

Our lives forever altered, the void cannot be filled; Each day is tinged with sadness, since Martha’s life was stilled

We are floundering here dear Lord, our prayers so far unheeded; Perhaps dear Lord you did not know how much our Martha was needed?

Her family and friends are at a loss, stumbling through the days; Trying to find some comfort and answers to our questions through the haze

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Martha our dear sister full of life, love and joy; Always in our hearts, absent from our lives

Rest in peace our dear Martha, securely in the know; That your loving family will never let you go

We could not stop the evil tide that swept your life away; But working hard to alter the course; usher in a new day

We WILL DEFEAT THIS THIEF OF LIFE who stole our loved ones dear; Through the efforts of many, that day is surely near.