I ride for a cure, I ride for my family, I ride for my friends.  I ride for everyone that has been touched by cancer.  I know firsthand the profound effect that cancer can have on each and every one of us.  I ride in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge.   I complete the two day cycling event beginning in Sturbridge, Massachusetts and ending in Provincetown.

At the age of 13 I lost my mother to stomach and pancreatic cancer.  She was only 34 years old.

In September of 2006 I was diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma known as a GIST (Gastro Intestinal Stromal Tumor) I was 35 years old.

In January of 2009 my older brother passed away due to brain cancer.  He was only 40 years old.

In the spring of 2010 my second Mom, of 25 years, Grammy Pam to my children, was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of kidney cancer.  It is called transitional cell carcinoma.  She had one kidney removed and shortly thereafter her doctor discovered lesions on her bladder.   She has undergone many months of procedures and chemotherapy, but finally after 2 years her most recent scans came back cancer free. 

As I write my letter this year I have to reflect on where I was exactly at this time last year.  I was in the ICU  once again fighting for my life.  Due to my initial cancer surgery in 2006 I have had multiple operations to address complications.  What should have been a straightforward abdominal surgery in May 2011 resulted in 3 weeks in the hospital, then many more weeks of recovery and physical therapy to return to normal, well my version of normal anyway.  As far as my cancer, it has not returned.  My scans every 6 months have been clear.  Yet, the health challenges that I have faced every year are a reminder that it all began with a cancer diagnosis.   No matter your physical health, age, or genetic history we are all vulnerable to this disease. 

I have participated in the Pan Mass Challenge for the last six years and many of you have helped me raise over $41,000 for cancer research through The Jimmy Fund.  The Jimmy Fund is the fundraising foundation for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.  One of the most exceptional cancer centers in the country.  I am a patient at Dana Farber and will be for the rest of my life.  In addition to the money that was raised individually, I am part of a team, Paul’s Posse, which has raised over $1,500,000 dollars toward cancer research.  You are part of that team as well since I could not have met these amazing goals without your support.  100% of the proceeds donated to the Pan Mass Challenge go directly towards The Jimmy Fund.  Yes, 100%, how rare is that statistic!  I want to express my sincere thanks to those of you that make it possible to exceed my fundraising goals every year since I started this journey.

Places like Dana-Farber rely more and more on these donations to sustain this critical cancer research.  I hope you will support me in this tremendous fight against cancer by making a donation this year.   The 2012 PMC is the weekend of August 4^th and 5^th.  Come and join the thousands that cheer the riders on at the rest stops or anywhere along the routes.  I guarantee an uplifting experience, the spirit of this event amazes my family and I every year.  The dedication of the riders, volunteers, and supporters will affect you deeply.  Just visit the following link to make your donation and please know that I am forever grateful for your generosity.

 http://www.pmc.org/egifts/giftinfo.asp?EgiftID=NC0055  

To visit my personal page please follow this link:

 http://www.pmc.org/mypmc/profiles.asp?Section=story&eGiftID=NC0055 

Once again, thank you for your generous support.

Sincerely,

Neil Cameron

Total Raised

$0

Goal

$5,000

Progress