#WhyIPMC guest blog by Mary Gusha, 1st year, Team Wheels For O'Neil rider
On August 5th and 6th, I will be riding in my first Pan-Mass Challenge in memory of my dad. My dad, Peter O’Neil,
passed away this December after a courageous battle with stage 4 cancer. My dad received exceptional care and treatment from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for nearly 2 years. The team at Dana Farber was always informative, respectful, and incredibly relentless in their efforts. My dad and our family were so touched by their unconditional compassion. For these reasons, I will also be riding the PMC to give back and thank Dana-Farber for their tremendous care.
My dad was an inspiration to those around him. He moved people with his kindness, quick-witted humor, and storytelling. As a father of three daughters, he was truly meant to be a “girl-dad.” My dad loved spending time with his family and friends, and cherished his role as an “Ohno” to his two grandchildren. In recent years, regardless of his diagnosis, he did his best to stay active through golf, volleyball, and most importantly bike riding.
Bike riding was one of my dad's most beloved hobbies. Whether it was a quick ride around town or a long weekend ride, I never got tired of seeing his smiling face ride up our driveway on his bike. Last year, my dad and mom got electric bikes so that they could continue to ride together. This brought them both so much joy. For me, there is no better way to honor my dad’s memory than by doing something he loved most. 
This year I will be riding the PMC alongside my husband, Alex Gusha, and a couple of our closest friends, Tyler and Mary Wiseman. I know that my dad will be there riding alongside me and giving me the support I need to make it through. I look forward to riding in honor of my dad and giving back to Dana-Farber to ensure that current and future patients experience the same support that my dad received.
