Dear Friends and Family, 

I will be riding my 6th Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) on August 4th. Once again, we will be part of the Pedals for Pediatrics Team, which raises money to support children and their families fighting cancer. I have to say that this year I was tempted to not ride. It is summer time and there are always other things to do rather than train. Spend time with family, relax, go to the beach and so many other things. But, when Harry's January tests results came back with such discouraging news, I knew my choice was clear. I need to ride for Harry and for all other kids like Harry that just can't get a break. 

This year was particularly touching because we are seeing how money raised through the PMC may help Harry. Harry underwent a series of blood tests this winter so his genome could be mapped out. What does this mean. It means that the doctors of Dana Farber are able to learn more about his brain tumor, compare it to others, and figure out a better and more effective way to treat it. This is pretty amazing!  So, for those of you that have chosen to support us over the years, thank you!  You are helping Harry and so many other kids that are fighting so hard to just live a "normal life"!  Thank you!

So, once again, with Harry as our inspiration, we hope to each raise more than $10,000. In the past eight years, our team has raised nearly $1,500,000  (last year, the PMC raised more than $35 million dollars). Each and every dollar raised has supported various programs and research projects that directly impact the quality of care pediatric cancer patients receive at Boston Children's Hospital and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. To lear more about Pedals for Pediatrics, please check out this YouTube video: http://youtu.be/Dj1h3NRzKeg.  We hope you'll consider supporting us once again this year. 

People often ask why we ride the PMC each year? One reason is that the funds we raise directly benefit patients and families through program support, direct financial assistance, and research.  When Harry has been in the hospital we have directly benefited from many of these programs. These include the Oncology/SCT Resource Rooms at Children's Hospital Boston, the Parking Program, a new washer and dryer for the 6th floor, the Patient Assistance Program (providing mortgage and rent assistance for families in need), and telecommunications equipment for neuro-oncology research.

The other reason we ride is Harry.  Harry is now nearly 12.  August will mark his seventh year of fighting his rare type of brain tumor.  Despite yet another medical set back this winter Harry continues to show us what life is about. He is doing well in school, hanging out with friends and loving life!  While he faces some challenges due to the multiple surgeries and treatments he has undergone over the years, he has not let those hurdles slow him down in anyway. He is a very determined and focused person who constantly reminds us what life is truly about.

We are extremely grateful for your past support of our PMC rides, and we hope you will consider making a commitment again this year. You can do so by either making an online donation to Eunice (http://www.pmc.org/egifts/EG0070) or Kevin (http://www.pmc.org/egifts/KC0177), or you can send us a check (made out the PMC) to: 34 Summit Road, Wellesley, MA  02482.

Again, we are grateful for your support. We are so appreciative of our friends and family that continue to stand by all of us, especially Harry. Thank you!

XO Eunice and Kevin