Once again I will be riding to raise money to fight cancer. I find I get this note out later and later each year. I also find that each year the effort ahead is as challenging and as necessary as ever.  One wonders if we are winning this battle in this fight against cancer, and while we know from statistics that progress against this disease is being made, you only have to know one person who has lost the battle against cancer to really question statistics. Statistics tell the big picture, but not the personal stories that hit home.

It’s the personal stories that bring me back for my 6^th PMC. Of the 5,000 riders and 2,000 volunteers, I’ll meet dozens and dozens of survivors and those still battling cancer.  This is a very personal undertaking for them and for some it’s a statement just to be able to ride/volunteer, let alone raise money to fight the battle.  All along the 190 mile ride I will see hundreds and hundreds of signs thanking us for our efforts, many with the names and sometimes pictures of survivors and those who have passed.  The challenge is great, but the need to do this is greater.

For those who sponsored me last year, thank you very much.  Last year was another amazing year for the PMC. Together with your help, we raised $35 million dollars of which 100% was contributed to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. An amazing achievement.

As I did last year, I approach this ride with apprehension even more than ever before.   Training has been very limited due to the poor weather we’ve been experiencing and an old hockey injury that has been acting up, but I’m committed to getting this done.

For last year’s contributors, I hope you will join me again this year, if you have in the past, but didn’t last year or if you haven't in the past, there is no better time to join in than now!   Whatever you are able to contribute it would be appreciated, every dollar adds up.  Remember, 100% of funds I raise go directly to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  You can’t find a better return on your donation investment than that!

Best wishes for a healthy and happy summer.