#WHYIPMC guest blog by Patricia Flynn, Team FORZA-G, Living Proof 1st-year rider
In 2012 at the age of 51, I was diagnosed with a very deadly form of cancer, lung cancer. As a single mother of two teenagers, the diagnosis was life changing for all of us. In 2013, I had lifesaving surgery at the Brigham and Women's Hospital. I am now five years cancer free and Living Proof that cancer research matters. As a result of this care I've been able to see my oldest daughter graduate from Cornell, my youngest daughter attend my alma matter, graduate myself with a Masters of Analytics and follow my passions. I've traveled to Ireland, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, St. Maarten, etc. I've spend five more Thanksgivings and Christmases with my loved ones and experienced many beautiful sunsets and more than my fair share of sunrises.
While my story is so positive, I've lost my mother in this same period of time to a blood cancer, which was heartbreaking. I've lost friends, coworkers, and co-patients as well and seen how cancer changes the lives of patients as well as caregivers. And I have seen miracles happen too. At my regular checkups at the Brigham I am always so impressed with the caregivers there. This is where my angels live.
I am a first time rider this year. Unbeknownst to me, the team that I am riding with, Forza-G, rode in a prior year with my name on the team jersey. That is powerful.
There is power in this ride. I ride because I can.
