Pan Massachusetts Challenge - August 4 & 5, 2012

This is my eleventh PMC. I am excited by the thought that this year my fundraising will hopefully surpass $60,000 for cancer research. My husband, John, will be a pancreatic cancer survivor for two years in August! Sadly, this year has marked the passing of two cycling friends who were only in their 50s, from cancer.

Cancer has hit our family before. My parents Joe and Doe Hanley, both died of cancer in 1994 within 4 months of each other. Dad had prostrate cancer for many years and saw everyday as a blessing. Mom was dealt a cruel blow with the diagnosis of bladder cancer and the removal of her bladder two years before her death. She took care of dad until his death a few weeks after their 50th wedding anniversary, an event which was not the gala which they are planned for years, rather intimate and low key, but special nevertheless. We all felt that Dad willed himself to live until their anniversary.

My parents would be very proud of my cycling in honor of them and many others affected by cancer. I will ride the 163 miles from Wellesley to Provincetown as a part of a large community of other cyclists, volunteers, and spectators all united on two days in August with the purpose of wanting to see cancer eradicated.

I am acutely aware of the affect that cancer has on all family members. It is my deepest hope that no one has to ever watch another loved one die of cancer. Riding the PMC is my way of fighting back!

Your contribution brings us closer to cure!

Please Support my ride!

 http://www.pmc.org/egifts/makeadonation.asp?EgiftID=JT0098