Cancer affects thousands of children and young adults every year. This diagnosis presents them with physical and emotional challenges that are both unexpected and incomprehensible. So much is asked of these children when it comes to fighting their disease, yet their spirit and determination to survive is unbreakable. To recognize and honor these children, I will be riding as a member of the Pedals for Pediatrics team in the 2007 Pan-Mass Challenge and hope to raise $3600. This bike ride is a wonderful event that encourages thousands of cyclists to test their physical, mental, and emotional strength on a two-day journey across Massachusetts. While this ride is but a simple choice for me, the children that I am riding in support of did not choose to be challenged by cancer.
Last year’s 2006 Pan-Mass Challenge ride was my first experience with such an inspiring and humbling event. I was fortunate to ride with over 4,000 other cyclists united in a common goal—curing cancer. During those two days I had the privilege to ride with cancer survivors, those who had lost loved ones to cancer, my husband Sam, and the thoughts and memories of the children he has cared for in his practice as a pediatric neuro-oncologist.
This year I will once again be riding as a member of the Pedals for Pediatrics team to raise awareness and funding for a cure for cancer. The money we raise will be specifically delegated to the The Jimmy Fund Clinic and inpatient oncology ward at Children’s Hospital Boston in order to help these remarkable children and their families. The Pan-Mass Challenge is unique in that ninety-nine cents of every dollar donated to our cycling team goes directly to support pediatric cancer patients and research in pediatric cancer at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Last year our team raised a total of $129,319 for these patients. Some of the ways these funds were allocated:
• funding for Pediatric Oncology/Stem Cell Transplant Resources
• “Extraordinary Needs Fund” that provides financial support for patients undergoing
treatment and their families
• Pediatric Cancer Research Pilot Grant
• Pediatric Oncology Nursing Grant
• Hospital-to-Home transition program
• “Just for Teens” program and the “Weekend Grind” coffee hour and support group for
parents of children hospitalized with cancer
These children and their families are already facing so much in their battle with cancer. Your donation enables them to focus more on their loved ones and keeps their spirit alive knowing that there is funding available to search for a cure for their disease.
This year I will be riding for two extraordinary teenagers who recently lost their battle with cancer, Jeff Hayes and Allison Corf. I was so fortunate to have known them even if it was for the brief time they were patients of my husband Sam. I was in awe of their bravery and determination in their battle with cancer. I had the privilege of experiencing the love and devotion they had with their families and friends and how that enabled them to keep such a strong sense of faith in the face of adversity. Jeff and Allison were two wonderful people and it will be an honor to ride in their memory this year.
Please help me reach my goal of raising $3600 in support of this remarkable cause. Click here to learn how to make a donation today.
Thank you for your generosity and your support!
Click here to e-mail Julie
