#WhyIPMC guest blog by Lauren Lamm, 3-year rider, Team Marshfield Rams Cancer
My Story:
During my college years at Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA), I was very familiar with the Pan-Mass Challenge. Each summer while working at the school and taking classes, I would watch as thousands of riders came to campus and knew I wanted to participate one day. Watching so many people come together in support of a common goal was incredibly inspirational to watch.
In 2015 I rode in my first PMC in memory of my mother-in-law who fought hard but ultimately lost a battle with Leukemia in December 2014. It was a horrible experience made better only by the help and support of Dana-Farber. Although I loved DCFI and appreciated all that they did for my husband and I, I never wanted to step foot in there again.
I did not get my wish. In March of 2017, my father was diagnosed with Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer. We immediately knew we wanted Dana-Farber to design his treatment plan. We had the best doctors, all of whom were personable and caring along with countless amazing nurses.
He seemed to be doing well, the chemo was working for a few months, shrinking the masses however it stopped being effective in October 2017. My father, Paul DeNapoli, peacefully passed away with myself and my mother by his side on November 2nd, 2017 at the age of 64.
I can’t say enough about how difficult these past few years have been without my dad. There is nothing to be said about the death of a parent, there isn’t much comfort that can be offered from others. I have found that comfort comes from helping others, supporting amazing causes and sharing my experiences with those in similar positions.
My Dad loved Dana-Farber, he loved the doctors and the nurses. He and the rest of my family felt inspired and comforted by the good they did and continue to do for so many people. In 2015, when I rode my first PMC, he was very proud of me. When I rode my next PMC in 2018, less than a year after his passing, I could feel him with me on each of the 182 miles. This is the comfort that I chose to take with me on my third PMC adventure this year. I will think of him every mile I ride as I do every minute of every day. He is my inspiration, he is my motivation and I look forward to doing this for him.
2024 is my second PMC as part of team Marshfield Ram Cancer.
