2017 marks the 14th year I'll be riding my bike in the Pan Mass Challenge and raising money for cancer treatment and research. Over these years I've ridden in support of -- and in memory of -- family and friends who have been touched by cancer. The longer I do this, the more of an issue I have with that phrase "touched by cancer"; It's become a euphemistic short-hand that 'soft-peddles' the wrenching and unpredictable ways that this disease affects people's lives every day...
Riding in the PMC has provided me a personally-meaningful way to contribute to new and better cancer treatments and ultimately, a cure. I ride for a day when that phrase "touched by cancer" carries no more meaning than " a touch of a cold"...
I am proud to say that once again both my sons Ben and Kevin -- and my lovely bride Sandy -- will be volunteering to support the PMC as well. They will be working at the Mass Maritime stop in Bourne. We are all proud to do whatever we can to help the people at Dana Farber Cancer Research Institute find better ways to treat and ultimately cure or prevent cancer altogether.
Thank you very much for stopping by and reading this. I sincerely hope that you'll also join in the fight and donate to the PMC Jimmy Fund as generously as you can with your money and support.
Thanks!
/doug
Nicely said Doug. Though I actually have had a different take on the intent of "touched by cancer" in that just being touched by cancer can be devastating. It has the connotation that just being touched by something so massive as cancer can impart so much damage on so many levels.
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