Ride Beside Me

Over the past 19 years, the Pan Mass Challenge, and its critical fundraising for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, has been an important part of my life. I’ve made many friends, lost more than a few to cancer, and have grown tremendously.

The Pan Mass Challenge became a cause for me a few short miles into my first ride on that Saturday morning in August 1998. Since then, I’ve raised almost $120,000 for cancer research, connected with many people I would otherwise have never met, found a job through PMC connections, had great experiences, and much more. Through my "cheerleading" for the cause I’ve developed a voice, a way of being, and of being present, that I’ve brought into the rest of my life.

During the Jewish New Year services we  recite a poem, Unetaheh Tokef (Let Us Cede Power), where we ask:

    How many will pass and how many will be created?
    Who will live and who will die?
    Who in their time, and who not their time?

Life is uncertain, so let’s make the most of it. Let’s not squander our talents, our skills, our fortune, our opportunity. Let’s also not get bogged down by our "situation", the stories that can rob us of our power. With this awareness, I live each day with strength, presence, and a focus on creating value.

I have not taken this journey alone. My wife, family and friends are my key partners, adventurers, along the way. Fellow riders are part of the team. My sponsors and supporters – you – have been a powerful source of influence and motivation. You have been fundamental to my success, our success, and the success of the Pan Mass Challenge and the Dana Farber.

This year I committed to raising $10,000 for cancer research, and the PMC expects to raise a total of $46 million. I need your help to reach those goals. As you know, 100% of the money raised goes directly to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, funding critical cancer research and care. The Dana has made tremendous strides over the years.

Still, we need your help. Would you please make a donation of $25, $50, $100 (or more) today, supporting our shared goals?

With love,

Lee

To donate, please visit http://www2.pmc.org/profile/LL0033 . All donations are 100% tax deductible.

Commit: You'll Figure It Out!

The PMC philosphy is all about commitment. From the PMC Mission Statement:

This summer, each cyclist will commit to raising between $500 and $5,200 for the privilege of being a member of the PMC team. However, ninety percent of all PMCers exceed the minimum fundraising contribution, and one-third raise more than twice the amount required.

With equal commitment, the PMC relies upon thousands of volunteers to orchestrate the three-day event. From mapping the route, to constructing water stops, to ensuring medical attention and safety for thousands, 4,000 PMC volunteers commit their time, resources and energy to the event, without financial compensation. This team effort is a product of the PMC's philosophy of success: those who commit themselves in full are those who achieve results.

In early January I registered for the 2016 PMC (my 19th!), and committed to raising $10,000 this year. I did not know at the time that I would be moving in June...or changing jobs over the summer...

It doesn't matter. Life happens. It always does, it always will. With commitment, we can achieve our intended results...and more.

I've been committed to the PMC for a long time. I do get a lot back from it. I enjoy a great two day bike ride. I have built a community of friends and supporters and I've made new friends along the way. I've been tested personally - mentally, emotionally and physically in ways that I could not have imagined. I've lost friends, including my PMC team captain, Amie White, who passed away early this year after battling cancer for a long time. And my heart has grown, and my connections have deepened.

Participation in the PMC is a blessing and a gift. Thank you for taking this ride with me.

And thank you for supporting the PMC mission of eradicating cancer!

With love,

Lee

http://www2.pmc.org/profile/LL0033

Together We Win!

When I first rode the Pan Mass Challenge, in 1998, I chose the traditional Sturbridge to Provincetown route. That year, I shared a hotel room in Sturbridge the Friday evening before the ride and slept (well, tossed and turned) on a ship docked at the Mass Maritime Academy in Bourne Saturday night.

Every year since then I've ridden the Wellesley to Provincetown route, sleeping at home in Needham and joining the ride a mile from the start in Needham.

This year will be different...Amy and I will sleep at a friend's house in Needham on Friday night. I'll then join the ride a mile from the start and then head to Bourne where Amy and Rachel volunteer. Saturday night we will sleep at home...in Sandwich! Then on Sunday, I'll join the ride along the route in Sandwich.

Some things change...after 26 years we sold our house in Needham and have moved to the Cape fulltime in Sandwich.

I'm also sad to report that my PMC team captain, Amie White, lost her long battle with cancer. She may be gone physically, but the warrior princess lives on in each of us.

And some things don't change. I committed to raising $10,000 for cancer research in January and I reserved the first weekend in August for a bike ride from Wellesley to to Provincetown.

Amie's team will continue to ride together, with some new team members joining in her honor and memory. It will be a special weekend for us...celebrating her life and continuing to raise the money needed for the research that helped her and will save others.

With some additional training will be ready for the ride. And with your help, I will raise $10,000 for cancer research at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, contributing to the aggressive PMC target of $46 million this year.

Thank you for supporting the PMC mission of eradicating cancer! Togther we will win.

Best,

Lee

http://www2.pmc.org/profile/LL0033