I rode the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) for the first time in 2009, and it was the highlight of my summer. It was so exciting to be surrounded by thousands of bikers, all riding to raise money for cancer research, and cheered on by thousands of supporters along the route from start to finish. I rode the PMC in 2010 and again enjoyed the ride from start to finish. I have committed to doing the 192 mile (2 day) ride across Massachusetts again this summer, and I am looking forward to the challenge.

I was diagnosed with stage 3 thyroid cancer in June 2007. I had surgery, followed by radioactive iodine treatments, and I was given a clean bill of health in October 2007. In February of 2008, during a routine check, more cancer was discovered. I went through more radioactive iodine treatment during the spring of 2008, but it was not successful. My oncology team gave my body a break and in April 2009, I had my second surgery. The surgical team was able to remove a lot of cancer, but it became clear during the surgery that they would not be able to remove all of it.

My cancer is still stage 3. The goal right now is to prevent the cancer from spreading, rather than try to cure me. I am very hopeful about my future, and the future of all cancer patients. On-going cancer research is producing new medications that are allowing cancer patients to survive and thrive. This past September I had scans done, and the news was great; the cancer is growing slowly and we will just watch and wait for a while.

I lost my mother to cancer 9 years ago, and in September of 2008 I lost an aunt, and 14 days later, a good friend, Terri Bavolak (mother of 3 children) to cancer. Three of my friends were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, and they are all doing very well at this point. The research for breast cancer has allowed them to survive and thrive. Unfortunately, there are many other cancers that do not have such results once a person is diagnosed.

This past May, my friend Sue was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I spent time with her in the hospital when she received her first chemotherapy. Sue had an amazing spirit, and she fought the cancer with strength and dignity. Sue was in her 50s and she had so much more to give to the world, but on January 2, 2012 Sue passed away. The world has lost a wonderful human being, and I have lost a friend. I am dedicating my PMC ride to Sue this year. The strength that it takes to ride 192 miles in 2 days is nothing compared to the strength that Susan displayed during her battle with pancreatic cancer.

I am honored and humbled to be a part of such a wonderful fund raising event. I firmly believe that cures for all cancers will be found, and with funding for research they will be found sooner rather than later. I look forward to the year when my “in honor of” and my “in memory of” signs that I wear on my back during the ride, do not grow any longer.

Thank you all for your support and contributions to the Pan Mass Challenge.