#WhyIPMC guest blog by Karen Jenkins, 4-year, Team Stuie rider
My dad Jeff Temple was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic lung cancer in February 2016. He has been an active cyclist and supporter of the Pan-Mass Challenge since 2007 riding with Team Stuie.
In August of 2017, he rode 89 miles from Wellesley to Bourne, MA at 74 years of age with one lung and an amazing spirit supported by
my sister, Christine Smith (her first-year riding). He recruited his DFCI physicians; Mark Awad, MD and Dan Weiner, MD to ride alongside that year as well. They are still riding, five years later. Needless to say, my dad is one of their favorite patients, or he is hard to say no to, probably a combination of both.
I asked my dad if I could ride in his place on Team Stuie, since 2017 was more challenging than expected. He agreed and my first PMC ride was in 2018. I rode 86 miles in the monsoon weather with my sister Christine, thereby continuing his support of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Dr. Mark Awad's Research Fund. My mom and dad were both waiting at the finish line freezing and cheering the riders on, including me as a “first timer.” I will never forget the pride, joy and love that I felt when crossing that finish line in Bourne.
This past August my two sisters (Christine Smith and Claire Draper- 2019 First Year Rider) and I rode along the beautiful coast of the South Shore in the PMC Reimagined Ride. Many laughs, sweat and some tears for those we have lost to cancer were shared. I am so very fortunate to be part of such a loving family that is so dedicated to the PMC. In years to come I hope the grandchildren “next generation of Temple’s” will be joining the Temple Sister Trio in riding for a cause so dear to our hearts.
I ride in honor of my hero, Jeff Temple, my dad who continues his fight with positive energy, witty humor and determination.
We love you Dad.
