#WhyIPMC guest blog by Lauren Delaney, first year rider, Team Forza-G
I first learned about cancer when I was probably in middle school or high school when my grandfather "Popsie" was diagnosed with lung cancer. I don't remember too much about the experience, other than the surgeries and treatment he had to fight it. And then my senior year of high school, Popsie passed away from esophageal cancer. I'll never forget sitting with him the night before he passed; I was feeding him cutup pieces of cherry flavored popsicle.
Other memories threaded throughout my life included many others that were impacted but this awful disease. Many extended family members and then my aunt Mary, around the same time. Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer after she had her three children. I remember going to the Breast Cancer Walk in Boston, setup at Castle Island with family, cheering on my many extended cousins that walked in Mary's honor.
Fast forward to 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2016, I ran the Boston Marathon. Two of those years, 2011 and 2014, for Cops for Kids with Cancer, a charity my great Uncle Bob was (and mostly still!) runs. In 2014, I had the special honor of running for two young boys in Hanover that were diagnosed with cancer. Those boys will forever inspire me and are thriving today! 
A few years back, a close friend from college and local to the "South Shore" was going through a nightmare. Her youngest of 4 was also going through cancer treatment. I remember connecting with my friend Lila over social media and text and the once in a blue moon bump in on the South Shore. We both traded trauma stories and were constantly checking in on each other. I can't ever imagine being a parent and watching your child go through something so horrific.
These are just a few stories... and as we all know, we could unfortunately keep counting and telling stories. Some with happy endings, some not. And others, somewhere in between, are still fighting the good fight. And then there are those stories that you also never wish to happen. When cancer returns.
In September, a friend of mine asked me while on a run if I had any big goals for 2024. At the time, I hadn't thought
about it (yet). And then, on Saturday November 2nd, my dear friend & neighbor Melissa Eleey called me. The cancer is back. F*%# is all I could say. The next day, we went for a walk and I waited for the right moment to tell her she's my why. Melissa is why I finally signed up for PMC, something that has been on my bucket list for years. Over the years, whether in Bourne, West Barnstable or Eastham, I've cheered and watched the many cyclists go by.
Melissa was diagnosed with breast cancer on 4/26/2017, fought it and was in remission. Now with her recent diagnosis Melissa is in the midst of treatment with Stage IV breast cancer that metastasized in her liver. Melissa is a rockstar mom, wife, nurse, friend and just an overall amazing human. I am honored to ride on her behalf as we ride together to fight cancer.
In addition to Melissa, I am also riding in honor of my Dad's younger sister Mary (breast cancer survivor) and younger brother John (Follicular Non Hodgkin Lymphoma, currently cancer free after his treatment cycle last year). My aunt Mary is one of my role models, as a wife, mom, teacher; and my uncle John inspires me through his love of the outdoors, being a cool dude uncle and great dad.
Melissa will be riding her third PMC as a "living proof" and I plan to ride by her side, making sure she crosses that finish line. And with us, Nicole Merhill, also a "living proof" rider, will be riding her 7th PMC.
