Family

2023 brought news of 2 members of my family who were diagnosed with cancer. They both have undergone chemotherapy and their prospects are promising. I won't go into detail here out of respect for their privacy. I will wait until they are ready to share their story.

College Roommates

I have also learned that 2 of my former college roommates are in the battle for their lives against cancer. One was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma. He has been fitted with an Optune Device to slow the growth of his Stage 4 cancer. He has posted his journey on Facebook. It has been a long time since I had last seen him when we graduated from college. I wrote to him hoping to reconnect and lend my support.

Chris

The other former college roommate, Chris, has been battling cancer in one form or another for quite a long time, 16+ years.

From Chris this past January:

HOPE is a tough thing. I've had it and lost it more times than I'd like. Today's always a tough day. It was 16 years ago today when I was first diagnosed. I've won more battles than I care to remember. It's always been a tough fight, but HOPE is given.

My disease has spread significantly and is progressing. MD Anderson, in Houston, has a study that specifically targets my tumor mutation. HOPE is given! I just learned I'm excluded from this study due to my preexisting myeloma. HOPE is taken away.

The options now are few but will be attempted. 2024 will either be my BEST year or my last. I still hold on to HOPE. It gives me strength. Text me if you have my cell or DM me. It's always joyous to remember the great times.

When this was posted I immediately texted Chris and we reminisced a little about our college days.

I then made plans with my other former college roommates to pay a visit, and we did. We got together over the first weekend in March and caught each other up on our lives. We also reminisced about all the "interesting times" we had in college. Most importantly, we made each other laugh,

Chris did talk about his health struggles, but it wasn't a focal point of the weekend. It was all about reconnecting and good company. All in all, a good time was had.

Left to right: Me, Kevin, Chris, and Jason.

2024 - Number Sixteen

It has just occurred to me that I have been riding the Pan-Mass Challenge for as long as Chris has been fighting cancer. That's a long time!

This year I am dedicating my ride to Chris, and to others I know who are fighting their own personal battles with cancer.

Please support my ride with a donation that supports the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's efforts to develop treatments and to find a cure for cancer. People are depending on them.

For the past four years I have raised an average of around $11,000 per year. This year I'd like to crack the $12,000 mark. Please help me reach (and exceed) that goal!

100% of every donation goes directly to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and supports cancer research & patient care.

Thank you for your support!

Marty Middelmann

Donate to my ride!