January 10^th was the first day for alumni riders to sign up for the Pan-Mass Challenge, which will take place on the weekend of August 4-5, 2012.  I woke up at 3:00 a.m. that morning in a strange bed.  I had arrived in California only 2 days earlier after receiving the news that my dear Auntie Vivian was at the end stages of her fight with colon cancer.  In fact, she passed away the day after we arrived and my thoughts had now turned to planning for her memorial service.

I have to admit that for a moment that morning, in the bleary-eyed darkness, and clearly feeling the effects of jet lag, I questioned whether I should/could continue to ride in the Pan-Mass Challenge.  I wondered, “At my age and at this stage in my life, do I have what it takes to fundraise to the minimum of $4,300, not to mention the months spent living on a bicycle seat, all in the name of “training”, so that I could possibly finish all 163 miles under my own power?”  I thought of my husband, Curt, who was diagnosed last May with prostate cancer and of my mother who spent many, many months of healing after having a deep cancerous spot removed from her leg.  I thought of all that my aunt had been through since first learning she had cancer.  My self-doubt lasted exactly 2.7 seconds.  You see, in my aunt’s last hours, I promised her that I would continue to ride in her honor  - and now in her memory - for as long as I was physically able, or until cancer is a disease of the past. I can’t and won’t renege on that promise.

I can only wish that I was born a medical research scientist with the brains, ability and tools to find a cure for cancer.  Reality is that I am just a big kid who enjoys riding a bike and, with that tool, I’ve learned through my prior two “tours of duty” that my riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge carries great value to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute by providing necessary funds for cancer research and treatment.  For the third year, I will be riding with the “Pedals for Pediatrics” team.  Check us out at www.pedalsforpediatrics.org

I thank God every day for my health and the physical ability to carry this task to the end.  I am asking if you will join me in this fight against a disease that is hitting too close to home.  Would you please consider a contribution to my ride?  Be assured that The Pan-Mass Challenge is a well-organized event that has lined up corporate sponsors to cover the costs associated with a fundraiser of this magnitude, which means that 100% of the funds I raise go directly to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and, as in years past, your contribution is completely tax-deductible.

Your check in any amount, payable to “Pan-Mass Challenge” should be mailed to me:

Kelly Annis                                                              

13 Pullard Rd., #46

Grafton, MA  01519        

If you prefer to donate with a credit card, go to www.pmc.org/profile/KA0065 and follow the instructions for online contributions.

Questions?  Comments?  You can reach me at kannis5250@aol.com