Brian Nelson's Ride

Why I Ride ...

Dear Friends,
 
This year marks my 3rd year riding the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) bicycle ride to support the patients, researchers, doctors and nurses at Dana Farber Cancer Institute.  I wish I could say cancer has not touched my life since I last wrote you in 2010 but that’s not the case.  Last year someone who was both a mentor and a friend last his battle with cancer quite suddenly.  As often happens, there was not enough time to tell him how he had touched my life but his memory motivates me as I ride this year.

 

This year cancer has touched the Forza-G team family in a very personal way as one of our own, a teammate, is battling cancer for the second time.  Andy (seen with me in slideshow photos 10 & 12) beat cancer years ago and we learned of his recurrence on the day of our 2011 team kickoff event.  Needless to say it was a sobering reminder of why we ride and how cancer sneaks up when least expected.  That said, Andy is progressing through his chemo and early results of his treatment are positive as is his will to win again.  He is truly an inspiration to me and the team and an example of why we ride each year.

 

On a positive note, parents of three friends as well as a neighbor are now cancer free after treatment - a sign the fundraising and research is paying off with the ultimate success  - a second chance at life J

 

A few facts to consider:
- Starting in Sturbridge, MA, the PMC ride spans 190 miles over two days ending in Provincetown, MA.
- Since its inception in 1980, the ride has raised over $300 million for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund.
- 100% of all donations in support of PMC riders go directly to cancer research and treatment

- The goal is simple - put an end to cancer.

 

My 2011 fundraising goal is $7,000 contributing to Team FORZA-G's (http://www.pmc.org/profile/TF0086) 2011 goal of $200,000. All touched by cancer in some way, FORZA-G is composed of tireless, caring and generous individuals dedicated to finding a cure - one mile at a time.

 

Please take a moment to think about how you might support my 2011 ride.  Donations can be made online or checks can be made payable to: PMC, Jimmy Fund, DFCI or any combination of the three and mailed to me at: Brian Nelson, 43 Wood Terrace, Framingham, MA 01702. 

 

And remember - for every $50 you contribute to my ride you receive one entry to our prize drawing at our fall "thank you" event.

 

Thanks in advance for your consideration and support.
 
Brian Nelson

 



Brian's PMC Total

$4,400

Goal

$7,000

My Progress

My Online Supporters

I have chosen to keep all of my donors' information confidential; therefore it is not displayed on my PMC public donor list.

My Rides

2012 $4,400 Sturbridge to Provincetown Inn (2-Day)
2011 $10,142 Sturbridge to Provincetown Inn (2-Day)
2010 $6,500 Sturbridge to Provincetown Inn (2-Day)
2009 $6,031 Sturbridge to Provincetown Inn (2-Day)
Brian's Personal Gallery