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Dear Family and Friends,

It was a almost a year to date from when I had declared myself “cancer free” and the “Warrior Princess.”  But October of 2010, I once again received the bad news.  See, for all of 2010, I felt as though I was looking over my shoulder waiting for “the other shoe to drop.” As such, I was diligent about appointments every three months; I followed up on my marker levels (which stayed below the “high point”); and I met with my oncologist regularly.  

Yet still, almost a year to date from my declaration, I went back for a CT scan and again, my world came crashing down.  My scan was on a Thursday and I followed up with my doctor on Friday with a short e-mail asking for the results.  Her reply came quickly and devastatingly said “I WILL see you on Monday.  Have a good weekend.”  SLAM! I have been going through this long enough that I knew what that meant.  

The CT showed that while the CA125 marker was not useful, the tumors had increased to double the size in half the time of my last relapse. My world was once again turned upside down.  I told my parents, my husband, and then the kids.  “Mommy, what does this mean? Are you going to die? Are you going to be okay? Are you afraid?” My children verbalized my deepest fears.

From October to February, I underwent a grueling chemotherapy regimen at Mass General Hospital. I lost days and weeks of my life walking around in a total fog.  Then, in the beginning of February, I had a follow up scan.  Much to my incredible disappointment, there was no change in the size of the tumors.  

In an instant, a life changing decision was made.  I would NOT agree to merely “maintenance care” at Mass General Hospital.  Rather, I would finally take advantage of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a hospital known to have the most aggressive advances against conquering cancer as well as the institution for which I have raised funds over the past four years.  Thanks to a very good friend (as well as a fellow PMCer), I was matched with an incredible doctor.  Dana Farber had me at the smell of the soap! The smell was of fresh new beginnings.  To me, this small detail represented optimism, hope and life.

Although I am still in treatment and now have scarves and wigs to cover my head, I feel like I have regained my mind, my will to fight, and the strength to live my life on my own terms.  I lost a half a year and I need to make up for the lost time. My children have grown so much over the past six months.  The seasons have changed from fall to winter and finally to spring.  I am ready to take charge of this new lease on life...this is the world of the WARRIOR PRINCESS!

Why this story?  Well, on August 6 and 7, together with my team, “Team Peddle 2 the Mettle,” as well as 4,000+ other cyclists, I will again participate in the nation’s original fund raising bike-a-thon.  The Pan-Mass Challenge, a two day, 200 mile bike ride across Massachusetts, raises funds for cancer research and treatment. Since 1980, the Pan Mass Challenge has raised more than $200 million for life-saving cancer research and treatment at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund.  In fact, the PMC is the largest single contributor to the Jimmy Fund, bringing in nearly 50 percent of its annual revenue.

Last year, Greg and I bypassed our fundraising targets by raising close to $20,000 from over 250 sponsors, across three continents (THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS), but we must do it again!  There are too many lives that are touched by this devastating disease. I am asking for emotional support and/or monetary pledges based on this 200 mile bike-a-thon.  I am proud to accept anything you can offer.  Also, many companies match charitable donations made by their employees…and any extra funding helps.  

I encourage you to visit the Pan-Mass Challenge website at www.pmc.org to learn more about this exciting institution.  You can make a donation directly on this site and it will benefit my fundraising -  http://www.pmc.org/profile/AW0069.  If you prefer to mail a donation, please make your check payable to the Pan-Mass Challenge, but mail it directly to me at 137 Bradford Street, Needham, MA 02492.  

Thank you for your support and a happy 2011!

 All my love,

Amie White  

Amie White and Family

The PMC's tax ID or EIN number is 04-2746912

Amie's PMC Total

$0

Goal

$15,000

My Progress

My Rides