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Pan-Mass Challenge 2023
T-1
The Final Countdown Is On
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August 3, 2023
Dear Family and Friends,
Tomorrow at 8am, 15 Team Kermit members, 4 support vehicles and a Police Escort will leave my house on our annual Day Zero Ride to Sturbridge. It is a tradition started years ago by my son Adam. The most emotional aspect of this years ride is that for the first time since 2017, Adam is coming in from Portland to ride.
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In my last letter I shared the medical issues that I've been dealing with over the past 18 months. To say that I've been through the ringer would be an understatement. But things are much better, my riding has improved, and now, having been on the bike 6 days a week and having done a 71 mile loop to Diamond Hill Reservoir in Cumberland RI last weekend, with one day to go before PMC Weekend, I'm ready for the PMC! | |
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I do my best to share where your donations go, and the impact that your gifts make. The PMC Impact chart below will outline where your money goes. Remember; 100% of your gifts go directly to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Not a single penny goes to fund the organization, the event, or any aspect of the PMC. This is unprecedented among charitable organizations. Click on the image and you can download a larger version. | |
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When you read the impact chart, think of the countless people whose lives you are changing, some of whom you know personally and intimately. Then, turn your attention to Addie
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Our challenges, difficulties, and everyday bumps in the road pale in the face of Addie and other children and their families who face fear and uncertainty from morning to night. | |
As I ride, I will be inspired and motivated by the life and memory of our son and brother Jared who is present with us every day, and the innocence and beauty of our Pedal Partner Addie. | |  |
As I ride, side by side with Adam, the love we share for Adam's brother and my son will fuel us through the 200 miles from Sturbridge to Provincetown. And as the finish line approaches, we won't want the ride to end. We want to keep pedaling. And when we cross the finish line under the PMC arch, to the spectators waving and their deafening cheers of support, we will dismount, hug, and feel each others tears as if they are our own. | | |
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PMC Weekend is here The bikes are cleaned, tuned, lubed, and polished. Our tires are inflated. Our bags are packed.
PMC Weekend is here Together we can overcome the challenges that this disease presents. Together we can make cancer treatment as routine as a pill a day. Together we can eliminate the fear, uncertainty and horror that the word cancer conjures up. And ultimately, together we can delete the word cancer from our lexicon.
PMC Weekend is here I will see Jared in his resolve, his desire, and his wish above everything else as he faced his own mortality, to help others. His dedication and courage powers Ellen, Adam, and me. His extraordinary spirit fuels us. His memory keeps us alive. His image is our inspiration. Maybe he can inspire you too.
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If you're not local, and even if you are, and would like to experience a highlight of PMC Weekend, please join us for PMC 2023 Opening Ceremonies from the Sturbridge Host Hotel on Friday, August 4! At 7 PM, watch WBZ’s PMC Presents: Everyday Heroes half-hour special live on WSBK-TV38 at the Sturbridge Host Hotel. This pre-recorded special is hosted by PMC riders Lisa Hughes and David Wade.
If you're not in the local broadcast area, you can watch the State of the PMC live on the PMC's YouTube and PMC Presents: Everyday Heroes live on WSBK-TV38 or on CBS News Boston – WBZ’s free streaming service, available on any device via the CBS News app, PlutoTV, or WBZ.com.
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Will you support our efforts in memory of Jared and in honor of Addie? | |
A huge heartfelt "thank you" to all of you who have already made a donation. If you haven't yet made a gift, the time is now. Please reach into your hearts and support our efforts for the pediatric cancer community. No gift is too small. No gift is insignificant. No gift is unappreciated. Every dollar counts. Every gift will benefit Addie and countless other children. You may send a check made out to PMC to our address; 43 Chinian Path, Newton MA 02459, or click on this link to make a safe and secure donation online: http://www.pmc.org/profile/SB0159
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You can also make a donation via Venmo by pointing your phone's camera at this FloCode image. It's easy, painless, and you'll be changing people's lives. Please note; Donations via venmo carry only the donor's name and amount. There is no contact information given. Please send me an email with your donation details and contact information: sbranfpots@aol.com | |
And imagine how much more of an impact we could make if you shared this letter with a sister, brother, cousin, another family member or friend? Would you do that for the children? | |
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Let's work and give and sacrifice together so my grandchildren and yours have to ask: "Mom, Dad,,,,what's cancer?"
The PMC Community is waiting for the email that says;
The PMC has been canceled.
The cure for cancer has been found.
So until we get that email, please join us as we work tirelessly together to find that cure. And please do one more thing, always remember Jared...
With deep appreciation and love,
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