Latest Blog Posts
Aug 11, 2020 12:17:10 PM
"A bicycle ride is a flight from sadness, it is your freedom." - James E. Starrs
Read Blog PostJul 29, 2020 1:13:34 PM
Much like the PMC, the participation of the Sullivan clan from central Massachusetts has grown
significantly since 1980. Their team started with two brothers riding in 1983 in memory of their father who passed in 1978 and in support of their mother who survived 30 years beyond her cancer diagnosis. Now cancer survivors themselves, brothers Tom Sullivan (38 year rider) and Larry Sullivan (25 year rider) have recruited at least a dozen family members as riders and volunteers. The current rider group includes Tom, Larry, sister Fran Sullivan (33 years), Fran’s significant other David Badeau (29 years) and Larry’s son-in-law, Ryan Walsh (6 years). Other alumni riders from the Sullivan family include brother Denis and sisters Patie and Mary, making that six of seven siblings who have ridden and contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the PMC.
Jul 22, 2020 7:22:26 PM
My family has put together a team to ride in the Pan-Mass Challenge this year for the first time.
We are doing it in honor of my mother, who lost her fight against glioblastoma in December 2019. She was diagnosed a year ago in February 2019, I remember it as the day my life shattered into a thousand pieces. My mom had always been the glue that held our family together, our strong base of support, and my best friend. She had always been the most active and kind person, and I could not understand how this could happen to her. Following her initial surgery, I became committed to finding her the best care possible. I remember the feeling of hope that filled me the day I called Dana-Farber and 
immediately got an appointment with one of the leading neuro-oncologists in the field. And so began our 9 month journey. My mom showed so much grace and courage as she fought this devastating disease, even as she got weaker and weaker. She never gave up hope, and I know for certain that it was her care team at Dana-Farber that helped give her that strength and hope. She received the best possible care from her team at Dana-Farber. My mom always remarked on how nice and supportive everyone at Dana-Farber was, they were always available to answer any questions and always met us with a smile on their face. They truly cared about her as a person, not just as a patient.
Jul 15, 2020 1:33:09 PM
I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma one week before I rode the 2018 PMC. I had no idea what was in store for me. I hadn’t met with an oncologist at that point and didn’t know what my treatment or timeline would look like at all. I was consumed with worry over worrying those that I loved, particularly my three grown children. There was no question in my mind, however, of where I would seek treatment. That ride in 2018 was my 7th so I was already totally committed to riding for the cause and grateful to be a part of raising money for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Riding with the PMC masses is an overwhelming experience - truly life changing. I have always felt it to be an honor to be a part of it and even more grateful during that 2018 ride for the tireless fundraising done by so many riders year after year that I was soon going to be a recipient of.
Read Blog PostJul 9, 2020 2:48:46 PM
PMC 2020 is a special milestone for me and my dad, Dave Silva - it’s my 20th year volunteering
and his 25th year riding/volunteering. My dad first joined the PMC to ride for a young girl who later lost her cancer battle. He switched to volunteering, and what started for me as a day volunteering for school credit with him, turned into a 20-year PMC journey. The PMC first hit home for me directly in 2003 with the loss of my Uncle Richard to lung cancer, followed by my Uncle Joe in 2013 to lung cancer, and my Uncle Tom in 2015 to bladder cancer. Following my Uncle Joe’s passing, my dad and I coordinated the Pelham, NH PMC Kids Ride under the Joe’s Patriots team banner for five wonderful years. Over the years, we have pitched tents, parked bikes, and most recently settled into the luggage crew family helping to haul 60+ tons of luggage each year. And of course we always end our day with a great meal before we head out to cheer on the riders coming in at the MMA. Even after all this time, I still get choked up watching them ride in- the magnitude and magic of the PMC never dulls.
While this year is nothing like anyone could have imagined, it isn’t any less special for me and my dad. I decided to become a virtual rider, and took to Facebook with my fundraiser and goal of $2,020 in 2020 for 20 years! My dad and I will be riding up the NH coast on PMC day, August 1, in our own ride to celebrate the day. To me, the PMC is family, friendship, tradition, hope, and love. Even though we won't be able to come together as usual this year, we’ll still fight to get closer by the mile (and next year will be all the sweeter!).
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.
