#WhyIPMC guest blog by Jeff Lannon, 9-year rider, Team Phat Tuesday
It was during the winter of 2011; I began considering committing to the Pan-Mass Challenge. I lost my father to cancer in 1992, my sister in 1996, and other family members and friends afterward, but did not become aware of the PMC until many years later. Prior to 2011, I found myself in less than desirable physical shape. With my running days behind me, around 2009, I decided to start cycling, something I hadn’t done with any degree of fervor since college. In the fall of 2011, some avid cyclists at my gym mentioned the PMC.
I investigated and made the decision to ride in 2012. While the 192-mile trek was daunting, the
fundraising felt even more so. Fundraising at the scale the PMC requires was foreign to me, but looking back at loved ones I’ve lost to cancer I felt compelled to ride, to give back. Plus, the 192-mile commitment several months ahead was a great training motivator.
Riding a bike 192 miles over the course of two days may seem difficult to some, but it’s not when it’s an activity I truly love. During all those miles on PMC weekend we see so many signs expressing sentiments such as “I am alive because of you” or “my daughter graduated college because of you.” One that stuck out was a little boy dressed up in a Power Ranger costume holding a sign that read, “Not all heroes
wear capes, some ride bikes”. We are very humbled by these messages; a clear indication cancer touches us all. In fact, they are one of the reasons I keep coming back to the PMC each year. The reality is that we cyclists are a means to an end, and that end is using our love of cycling to raise money graciously and generously donated for the DFCI. These signs of gratitude are meant as much for our donors, as they are the riders – we are a mere extension of their generosity. Quite simply, without the money that we raise through them, the Dana-Farber cannot do what it does - at the level it does.
My first PMC, in 2012, was the first time I ever rode 192 miles in a weekend, so, I was admittedly apprehensive. This distance pushed me to train like crazy. As PMC Weekend drew nearer that year, I remember my teammates telling me that you are well prepared physically, but you will not be emotionally. They were so right! I recall the signs, the cheering and the lump in my throat throughout that first ride.
So, what makes me PMC? It is the gratitude from so many people that we do this ride; it is 
overwhelming. I am so humbled by this event and truly believe I committed to doing something so much bigger than myself. The special feeling I get from so many generous sponsors and folks along the ride, (other than some other major life events, getting married, the birth of my children), is something I have never experienced. Looking forward to my 9th year riding!
