For those of you who weren't subjected to my on-going ramblings regarding the PMC last year, I should explain what the PMC is, and why it is important to not only us, but to a great many people.
The PMC, or Pan-Mass Challenge is 2-day event in Massachusetts that raises money for the Jimmy Fund, which is the main fundraiser for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. The Jimmy Fund was founded 58 years ago, and in that time, it has raised over $400 Million for research and in support for children and adults being treated at Dana-Farber.
The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute was founded in 1947 with a mission to provide expert, compassionate care to children and adults with cancer while advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure, and prevention of cancer and related diseases.
We all know why cancer treatment and research is so important - I wish we didn't. We both know many people, either friends, or people within our own families, who have had their own battles with cancer. I'm sure that you also know some friends, neighbors, coworkers or family members that have faced the same diagnosis. Some that we know have beaten this disease and are currently in remission, and others have not been so lucky. We ride for those who are no longer with us, as well as for the people we know who are living proof that cancer need not be a death sentence.
The statistics of cancer are staggering: 1 out of every 2 American Men and 1 out of every 3 American Women will be afflicted with cancer in some organ in their body at some time in their lives. Look around you and do the math - even if you have thus far not known the horror of a cancer diagnosis, it's likely one day that you or someone you love will have to fight this disease. It affects us all in one way or another. I'm not trying to scare you - life is scary enough as it is, and there are very many worthy causes out there. But cancer has played a pivotal role in both of our lives so far, and we are hoping that one day this disease wont have the power to have that kind of impact.
Ken & I are young and healthy. We are physically able to ride our bikes, and we are very lucky to know many generous friends, neighbors, coworkers and especially family members who can see how important it is to help support the Jimmy Fund and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. We are SO thankful for all the support and encouragement that we have received over the years, and we hope that we can continue to share our hope with you all.
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