Tags

“I Thought of that while riding my bike”

-Albert Einstein on the Theory of Relativity

This past weekend, I completed my 3rd Pan-Mass Challenge bike ride. Perhaps I didn’t think of anything quite as significant as the Theory of Relativity, but 192 miles in the saddle gives you plenty of time to ponder. A few thoughts I’d like to share…

How very cool the Pan-Mass Challenge is and how lucky I am to be a part of it. I try to explain every year, but I think you just have to be there!
My Dad and how much I would have liked for him to see me complete this ride – or better yet, how much I would have loved to do the ride with him (Cancer sucks).
The people I know fighting cancer and how every year that list changes, both because research and treatment is making a difference and saving lives, but also because we have a long way to go and no matter how tough the fighter, some people don’t get the chance to beat cancer.
The new PMC slogan “Commit. You’ll figure it out.” and how it can and should be applied to much more than just riding a bike across Massachusetts.
And, of course, I have to admit that I thought about our annual stop at mile 105 on day one for a cold beer at The Narrows and the lobster waiting for me at the end of day 2.

There are signs, live bands, and cheering sections lining the entire route, but for me the highlight of this year’s ride came before I even climbed onto the bike. While I went to the opening ceremonies to see Lance Armstrong speak (he would ride with us the next day), the star of the evening turned out to be 6 year old Declan Rourke. Declan was presented to us as “our dollars at work.” Declan’s dad told us how when he was diagnosed at 15 months, fewer children than you could count on your hands had ever survived his type of cancer and most died within 6 month. But specifically and only because of the Dana-Farber (to which 100% of Pan-Mass donations go), Declan has graduated kindergarten, got his first base hit, and for now, has beat his cancer.

So one final thought I’d like to share (and a message that Declan’s Dad asked us to pass along to those who donated) is “THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!”