Why I PMC guest blog, by Marisa Frydman, first-year Living Proof® rider on Team Pedals For Pediatrics
Why I Ride...
Hi, my name is Marisa. I am an MA resident, a high school chemistry teacher, a singer and music lover, a
daughter, a sister, a wife (shout out to my wonderful, supportive husband, Scott!), a mom to two very energetic boys, and so much more. I am also a pediatric cancer survivor.
I was born with neuroblastoma, a fairly common type of pediatric cancer. Although I am lucky enough not to remember my treatment journey, I am left with its scars, both physically and emotionally. It is something I will carry with me my entire life. Because of this I have always sought the opportunity to give back. In the past I have volunteered with several programs, 
such as Child Life through Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York, NY and with pediatric patients at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, VT.
Since moving to Massachusetts and learning about the PMC, I wanted to get involved and join the ride. This year I am excited to finally participate! Though I am recently postpartum and very nervous about training for this event, I am also very excited to take on this challenge while raising funds for a cause I care so deeply for. 100 percent of every dollar I raise goes directly to Team Pedals for Pediatrics. This team raises funds specifically for pediatric cancer research as well as towards offsetting treatment expenses accrued by pediatrics cancer
patients and their families/caregivers.
There are so many other cancer patients who I am close to, that I am riding in honor of and in memory of. It's really too many to list in one post. However, the one that I am honoring the most is myself: a mom, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a teacher, and more. It is rare that I find time to take a moment for myself, set a goal, and look back on all I've accomplished so far. By taking on this challenge for myself, I am able to proudly claim my living proof status while also paying it forward to those who will take on this battle in the future.
