Two years ago at Dana Farber, I learned that I carry the BRCA1 gene mutation that can cause breast and ovarian cancer.  It is not an easy diagnosis to bear, as cancer has torn my family apart. Two of my family members died of ovarian cancer; three died of breast cancer, and one continues to struggle with it now. 
     As for me -- I have an 85 percent chance of getting breast cancer over my lifetime, and 40 percent chance of getting ovarian cancer.  Still, I feel like the lucky one. I am a member of the first generation that can reduce our own risk. I have a chance to beat the disease that has beaten my family so many times.
     Although I don't have cancer, I am a patient at Dana Farber Cancer Center in Boston, where I have access to top monitoring and prevention technologies. Thanks to places like Dana Farber - I, and people like me, may be able to defy our fate.

     Dana Farber is one of the top research and treatment centers in the nation. It is changing the face of cancer treatment and prevention. It's right here in Boston -- and it's important to support it.

     This will be my second time riding 200 miles with my team from work -- team NECN (New England Cable News). Here's a link to a story about my 2008 ride. http://www.necn.com/Boston/New-England/Team-NECN-rides-the-PMC/1217800217.html 

     Thanks for your support, and for helping me beat cancer.
     -Helen