Howdy,
Well, it has been a about 3 years since I was diagnosed with Cancer and 2 years since I had my first cancer resection surgery. Since my last surgery 90 days ago, I have ridden my bike 373 miles (but who's counting?) training for the Pan Mass Challenge ("PMC"), which takes place this coming weekend: 192 miles from Sturbridge, MA to the tip of Cape Cod in Provincetown. I WILL FINISH though it might not be with the same pizzazz as in years past.
For the past 11 years I have ridden in the PMC and now that I am a "Thriving" cancer patient, the 2009 PMC will be more meaningful than ever for me.
In the past, I always rode to help raise money for cancer research, but I never imagined I would ride as a possible beneficiary of that research.
As for the ride itself, I am again making the trip with a group of friends who are known on the road as "Paul's Posse." All the money we raise will again go directly to support the research of Dr. George Demetri, the world's leading authority on GIST, the type of cancerous tumor that found its way into my body. I have even convinced George, to ride in the PMC again!
I've taken this challenge seriously for these past 11 years, and I can tell you that now, more than ever, I want to be a part of the effort to search for a solution. Before my diagnosis, cancer was a concept, a bad thing that was happening to other people, and a bad thing that I wanted to help stop. Now that I am a patient, I understand the importance of the PMC on a whole new level. Now, when I talk about hope on the roads of Massachusetts, it is no longer a conversation about the looks on the faces of the thousands upon thousands of supporters lining the route. It is now a conversation about my own future, my own treatment, and the hope that new research will one day leave me cancer free.
For my part, I am and have sent out countless letters raising money, trained (wish I had more miles under my belt), and will do the ride - all 192 miles of it - never losing hope.
If you are reading my Blog, I'm asking you to make a pledge to the cause. As in 2008 when the members of Paul's Posse raised nearly $300,000, 100% percent of the monies raised by Paul's Posse this year will go directly to the Dr. George Demetri at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
I realize the economic environment is less than optimal for most of us. That said, I would be so grateful and appreciative if you would consider making a contribution to this event. Every dollar counts, every dollar makes a difference, and every dollar yields ever increasing possibility.
I truly believe somewhere along the road between Sturbridge and Provincetown lies a cure for cancer, maybe even for me. You can help us find it.
Thanks for joining the battle.
Thrive On,
Paul
Click here to visit my personal page and make an online donation.
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