I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma one week before I rode the 2018 PMC. I had no idea what was in store for me. I hadn’t met with an oncologist at that point and didn’t know what my treatment or timeline would look like at all. I was consumed with worry over worrying those that I loved, particularly my three grown children. There was no question in my mind, however, of where I would seek treatment. That ride in 2018 was my 7th so I was already totally committed to riding for the cause and grateful to be a part of raising money for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Riding with the PMC masses is an overwhelming experience - truly life changing. I have always felt it to be an honor to be a part of it and even more grateful during that 2018 ride for the tireless fundraising done by so many riders year after year that I was soon going to be a recipient of.
After what looked like a slow growing cancer transformed into a fast growing more aggressive
My treatment ended in June 2019 and I got on my bike just six weeks later to ride the 160+ mile route from Wellesley to Provincetown. The timing was perfect because if I had even one week less than those six weeks to recover from that last chemo treatment, I never would have been able to get through those 160 miles. The ride is always filled with emotion but that ride, obviously, was even more so. I laughed, cried and chatted my way through those two days. I had my son in law on one side and my good friend on the other for the entire ride. It was an extraordinary experience.
I am happy to report I am in remission and feeling great. I will always have this cancer and will
Why do I PMC? Because it’s too important not to. We are not done yet!
Having cancer totally sucks. It is terrifying, humbling and mind-messing yet it has also been an experience for me that has shown silver linings and led to a much greater sense of gratitude. On my gratitude list is my family, friends, health, Dana-Farber, the Pan-Mass Challenge and having hair again!