192-mile Bike Ride for Cancer - Why I Ride
My Mom
Cancer is surely one of the most dreaded words we know. So many of us have been touched by this disease. I remember the day my Dad told me that my Mom had cancer. I was eleven years old. She was a wonderful woman, full of life. She fought it with everything she had - for herself, for me and for the rest of my family. She also fought it for all those who might be touched by cancer in the future. After her diagnosis, she became a tireless worker in the fight against cancer, becoming the chairperson of the American Cancer Society on Cape Cod. When she finally lost her fight, long after she was supposed to have lost it, I was 18 and she was 43. She had left her mark on many people. The local paper, the Barnstable Patriot, ran an editorial about her and wrote of her courage and conviction.
My Dad, My Family and Friends
Years later my Dad found he had a cancerous tumor in his jaw. He was able to beat that cancer, and he lived another healthy twenty years after his diagnosis. He was able to enjoy some years of retirement in Vermont and Florida with his second wife. When he was diagnosed a second time with a much more aggressive cancer eight years ago, he had a fight he wouldn’t win, but was grateful for the gift of the previous twenty years - a gift made possible by improvements in treatments for cancer.
Sadly, my stepbrother also passed recently, of pancreatic cancer, same as my dad.
Lately, I’ve seen cancer continuing to challenge both friends and family. The courage and the beauty of those with the disease, and the solidarity of their families, have reminded me of what cancer has meant to me. More importantly, though, they’ve inspired me to pitch in with the fight my Mom took up many years ago.
Treatments, A Cure and The Good Works of the PMC
Last year the PMC raised $33 million, and for every dollar pledged to a rider a dollar went straight to the cause - not 1 cent going to administrative and logistical expenses. This makes the PMC not only the biggest, but also the leanest (by far), “athletic fundraiser” in the country. This year’s goal is $34 million, with over 5000 riders and 3000 volunteers.
We all have our favorite charities, and of course we can’t support everything we’d like to. I’ve decided to make this the charity I dedicate my efforts to, and I hope many of you can make this one of the charities you support, as well. You could pledge right now, or you can click the 'Donate Now' button near the top of each page.
There are many hopeful signs out there, with increased effectiveness of treatments and an ever-expanding knowledge of how the disease works. I believe the day is approaching when a doctor will say “Don’t worry, it’s just cancer!” When that day arrives, the PMC will surely have played a critical role in enabling researchers at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute to help in finally cracking the code. I’m proud to say that in some small way I’m helping that cause.