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Jul 8, 2020 11:16:02 AM
Oddly enough, it was a stroke in 2002, when I was only 39, that initially set me on my path to see
cancer cured. When I was in rehab, learning to walk again, one of my closest friends came to visit me almost daily. The joy and laughter that Mike brought my days played a key role in my optimism and success towards walking again. When he passed away several years later from cancer, I turned my sadness into determination. I bought my first adult bike, joined Team Kinetic Karma, started PMCing and have never looked back. My wonderful PMC team, and the larger PMC community, made me feel empowered to raise my fist at cancer.
Jul 1, 2020 4:09:22 PM
Barring COVID-19 preventing the PMC from taking place this year (blog was submitted in April),
2020 will be my fifth consecutive PMC ride and my first as a Heavy Hitter. Why was I able to achieve heavy hitter status for my 2019 ride? Because of a childhood friend named Nicole Cingiser. I met Nikki back in 1976, when she and her family first came to Camp Wah-nee, a sleep-away camp in the Berkshires, that I had been attending since 1973. Nikki’s older sister, Karen, became one of my best friends back then and remains so to this day. Nikki was passionate about the causes she supported, including volunteering for several years at the Hole in the Wall Gang, a camp founded by Paul Newman for children with serious illnesses, and marching for women and the rights of families. She was also devoted to the students she taught and staff she worked alongside at the Children's School in Stamford, CT. Up until her death, she had been a generous supporter of my PMC ride. Unfortunately, Nikki lost her battle with breast cancer in November 2018. Every time I am fortunate to have the opportunity to experience musical theater, a passion that we both shared, but which she pursued at maximum velocity, I think of my friend, Nikki, as well as during my training for my 2020 PMC ride.
Jun 24, 2020 5:18:56 PM
This year will be my 13th PMC in a row. When I first signed up back in 2008, I didn't even own a bike, let alone have any experience riding 192 miles. I used to be one of those onlookers who would stand at the top of Ocean View Drive in Wellfleet with a cup of coffee early on warm August Sunday mornings and cheer the riders on, but I never thought I could do it.
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Jun 19, 2020 2:19:02 PM
For more than 40 years, the Pan-Mass Challenge has been raising funds to pursue the cures for cancer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. While we have been singularly focused on eradicating cancer, we recognize that the PMC has a role to play in changing systemic racism. We deplore racism and will re-examine the PMC, aiming to combat it. This challenge will engage every facet of the PMC community in order to emerge as an even better organization and a part of the solution to this national crisis. We will keep all PMCers apprised of our ideas and our progress.
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Jun 19, 2020 11:37:52 AM
The Pan-Mass Challenge is excited to announce that Bay State Physical Therapy is the official physical therapy sponsor for the third consecutive year. Bay State Physical Therapy is committed to helping the PMC raise money for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and helping riders feel their best.
Read Blog PostJun 18, 2020 1:52:43 PM
Dana-Farber has been part of my life for over 20 years, and it has given me more than I could ever begin to repay. they cared for my Mimi when she was initially diagnosed, and they continue to see her now, and for my Mom who we sadly lost after her battle with melanoma back in 2000.
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