This past year has been a busy one I cannot believe that it has gone by so fast. Last year I took a break from riding the PMC, I felt that it was a lot to do with the fundraising, biking and planning my wedding. Along with getting married I have also started working at the Jimmy Fund clinic at Dana-Farber. This has been very rewarding for me; I now get to take care of my patients when they are inpatient at Children’s and outpatient at Dana Farber.  Instead of riding last year I volunteered as a “roadie” for the team I have rode for in the past, Brentwheels. Although it was fun to be able to be there and help out my team, I really missed riding. After much thought I have decided to ride one more time and make it five times that I have rode the PMC.

For those that are not familiar with this event, the PMC is a 2-day, 192-mile bike ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown that raises money for cancer research. Brentwheels was started in 2005 by my patient Brent’s dad Mike McCreesh after Brent was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. I am riding this year to raise money for cancer research and for three of my patients, Emily, Brendan, and Charlotte.

Emily is a vibrant young 4 year old that was diagnosed with neuroblastoma this past year and has undergone 6 rounds of chemotherapy as well as two transplants. When not at Children’s she can be seen running around Chatham.

            Charlotte is another 4 year old that also was diagnosed with neuroblastoma this past year and has endured the same treatment as Emily, she loves to color and can sing the Chipmunks Christmas song better than the chipmunks!

            Brendan is a 9 year old that was diagnosed with leukemia in November of 2009. He is 7 months into his two-year treatment, and is in love with legos! When not at the hospital he can be found putting together Lego masterpieces like the Taj Mahal.

            Being an oncology nurse has been a really rewarding experience for me. I can truly say that I love my job and enjoy going to work everyday. I also enjoy being a part of this amazing event, which is why I continue to sign up to ride 192 miles year after year. It means so much to me to be able to give something back to my patients and to the hospitals that I work for. I pledge every year to ride 192 miles in 2 days and to raise money for the hospitals that have helped kids like Brendan, Emily and Charlotte win their battle against cancer.

            I believe in what Dana-Farber and Children’s Hospital Boston does in the fight against pediatric cancer, that’s why I work there and why I participate in this ride.  

Caitlin's PMC Total

$6,200

Goal

$4,500

My Progress

My Online Supporters

My Rides