#WhyIPMC guest blog by Rob Young; 10-year rider and Team Courage Coneheads member
My Drive to RideI rode in my first Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) in 2008 in memory of my father, who lost his battle with cancer when I was in college. At the age of 12, I first learned that my dad had cancer and might die—something no child should have to experience. He fought for more than 10 years. Losing my dad at a young age impacted my life deeply and I miss him every day. Through watching him fight, I saw firsthand the power of a person’s will to overcome. I learned how invaluable strong family and friends are. I learned to never give up. The PMC embodies all these things.
I took a year off in 2009 when my first child was born. My wife, Wendy, and I decided going forward, I would ride every other year because the training and fundraising take a lot of energy and time. In 2011, I planned to take a break. However, in March of that year, we learned our dear friend’s 18-month- old daughter was diagnosed with a stage 4 neuroblastoma. I immediately signed up for the PMC, because it was another way to help. She was treated and went into remission. Each year as I fundraise, I learn about those in my social and professional networks that have been impacted by cancer. Everyone has a story about how this disease has changed their life. It motivates me to continue supporting the fight against cancer.
Through PMC, 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar goes directly to the Dana-Farber Institute. It is incredible. My wife, Wendy, and I were at the PMC Heavy Hitter dinner a few years back and heard straight from a doctor at the Dana-Farber Institute about the impact of the unrestricted funds from the PMC and how they recently led to a groundbreaking new drug. A drug that became one of the most important discoveries for treating not just one strain of cancer, but hundreds of strains of cancer. This event is more than a ride.
My PMC Family
The PMC has been part of my kids’ lives since before they were born. The event is the lead up to our family vacation every year. I ride my bike to the Cape and they meet me at the Lakeville rest stop. They open our rental house for the week and then meet me at the family finish in P-Town. They see the impact we can have when we set our minds to something. They have now participated in four PMC Kids Rides and they can’t wait to join me on the big PMC once they are old enough. My wife is my partner in the ride. While she’s not the one pedaling, she is the one behind the scenes cheering me on, taking care of the family (especially during the many training hours) and helping with fundraising. The entire experience is truly a family event.
What’s with the Cones?
Team Courage Coneheads has grown to more than 30 members and has become a family. We celebrate each other’s milestones and successes. We all look forward to getting together the first weekend in August and spending quality time on the road and after the events at Mass Maritime Academy and Provincetown (P-Town).
Favorite Moments
This year marks my 10th anniversary participating in the PMC — a race that has inspired me, allowed me to contribute to the fight against cancer and forever changed my life. After 10 years, I still walk away from the ride thinking about all the big and little moments that make this experience incredible: