This year marks my 13th consecutive Pan-Mass Challenge. I've been doing this ride for a while, but by no means has it become routine or ordinary. Every year's ride is different. My first PMC in 2004, which I rode on a hybrid bike, was more difficult than I had imagined. My ride in 2010, my first as a member of Team Kinetic Karma, was where I realized I had tapped into an amazing group of people who would become my friends. The torrential downpours in 2014 made that soaking wet ride one for the record books.
So what will make the 2016 stand out for me? It's who I'll ride for: Danno, Jeff, and Anna.
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| Danno is the one with the giant glasses and the huge grin. |
Danno joined Team Kinetic Karma in 2011 and was a strong presence on our team ever since. A bicycle mechanic with his own shop in his garage, he was always at the ready to fix a flat, true a wheel, or, in my case, tell me that my frame was cracked. Danno also served as our team's athletic trainer, offering cycling workshops and giving advice during our long rides. He was also one of the spirited members of our team. Every time he saw a dog, he'd yell "puppy!" and it always made me smile. He and his wife, who lived just off of the PMC route, opened their home to our team and provided us with our own private rest stop, complete with fresh fruit, baked goods, and, of course, a bike shop for repairs. Danno passed away last fall doing what he loved most - cycling with his friends. This year, I dedicate my ride in Danno's memory.
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| Dave, my team captain (left), and Jeff (right) in 2014. |
Jeff was a childhood friend of my team captain, Dave. He had since relocated to California and was beginning an acting career when Dave was diagnosed with Stage 3 throat cancer. Inspired by Dave's fight, Jeff joined Team Kinetic Karma in 2014 (yes, the torrential rain year) to ride for his friend. Jeff was far from being a seasoned cyclist, but he crossed that finish line like we all did that year - soaking wet, and smiling. Sadly, Jeff was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma in November, shortly after Danno passed away. The cancer had grown too strong for modern medicine, Jeff's determination, and the thoughts and prayers of his loved ones to defeat. He passed away in January. This year, I dedicate my ride in Jeff's memory.
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| Anna and her father at last week's Pedal Partner Party! |
Anna, Team Kinetic Karma's "pedal partner," is a sweet, strong, and charismatic nine-year old who, in October 2013, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Anna's doctors at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute put her on a chemotherapy regimen to rid her of her cancer. 32 days of induction (intense chemotherapy immediately after the diagnosis). Three rounds of three-week-long consolidation (more chemotherapy). Cranial radiation. 32 weeks of chemotherapy shots. Lumbar punctures. Pneumonia. Blood transfusions. This girl endured so much. Her treatments ended this past December, and I am thrilled to report that Anna is thriving! We saw her at the Pedal Partner Party earlier this month - she was thrilled to see "her bike team" and meet Wally, the Green Monster! Anna has many decades of smiles ahead of her. This year, I dedicate my ride in Anna's honor.
Inspired by Danno, Jeff, and Anna, I will expand my 2016 Pan-Mass Challenge by riding "Day 0," 90 miles from the MA/NY border to Sturbridge one the day before the PMC. That turns my ride into a 3-day, 275-mile Pan-Mass Challenge. I'm also raising my fundraising goal to $8,000 to match my increased physical commitment. Please join me in honoring Danno, Jeff, and Anna by making your cancer-fighting donation today. 100% of your donation will go straight to Dana-Farber's innovative cancer research and compassionate and life-saving care.
Please visit http://profile.pmc.org/JF0128 to make your donation. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
