THE PAN MASS CHALLENGE
JOIN DENISE'S 2009 DREAM TEAM
call 978.407.8107 for details
The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge raises money for life-saving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through an annual bike-a-thon that crosses the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Since its founding in 1980, the PMC has successfully melded support from committed cyclists, volunteers, corporate sponsors and individual contributors. All are essential to the PMC's goal and model: to attain maximum fundraising efficiency while increasing its annual gift. Our hope and aspiration is to provide Dana-Farber's doctors and researchers the necessary resources to discover cures for all cancers.
The first time I participated in the PMC was August of 2003. The second time I participated in the PMC was August of 2005. Who knew the second time I rode I was riding for myself too. On August 29th 2005, I was diagnosed with Stage four squamous cell carcinoma of the throat and neck. Hmmm....life certainly has a way of bringing us to our knees.
In September of the same year, under the care of a great team of doctors from Mass Eye and Ear and North Shore Cancer Center, I began treatment with chemo and radiation. For the next nine (9) months I ate through a feeding tube in my stomach, lost 40 pounds and kept myself alive with the help of many prayers, support from a wonderful and wide network of friends and family, and the knowing that God had a bigger plan for me.
I'm happy to say I am not only alive, I am thriving and on August 6th, 2007, I rode the ride as a cancer survivor raising over $11,000 personally and Denise's Dream Team (8) raised over $37,000. I could not be more proud!
Because of the PMC I was chosen to sing the National Anthem at the 2007 PMC night at Fenway Park. A real dream come true. Being asked to sing the National Anthem again at the opening ceremonies at Wellesley, the morning of the 2007 ride was an honor.
My next dream...A CURE!!!
On August 2nd, 2008 Denise's Dream Team rode the PMC from Wellesley to Bourne. We will continue to spin our way to a cure each and every year. Please come and join the team. It will be the best thing you have ever done for yourself and for so many others.
Healthfully yours,
Denise
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