As you probably know, the Pan Mass Challenge raises money for cancer treatment and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, here in Boston. Many, if not most, of the riders participate with someone specific in mind. They may have a close family member or friend that has suffered with cancer, maybe their team has a pedal partner that they ride in support for or maybe they are cancer survivors themselves. There is certainly no shortage of stories from which to gain inspiration from out there.
My personal experience with cancer has been, thankfully, limited. My Grandma Lowe passed away after a short, but intense, battle with Pancreatic Cancer in 2000. I have known others who have fought cancer, but never so intimately to really understand what they go through.
In addition to the generous donations that have been given to help me reach my goal, I am hoping that I might collect stories of inspiration from you- stories of survival, stories of hope, stories of sadness, stories of lives lost and, most importantly, stories of lives lived.
As I pedal my way from Sturbridge to Provencetown this weekend I would be honored to lift you and your loved ones (and mine) up in prayer and celebration. To remember their struggles as I face my own and to be inspired by the battles they fought, and are still fighting.
Feel free to leave your stories in the comments here, or if you prefer something more private, please email me at rebeccarides (at) gmail dot com.
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Hi Rebecca! I have a story that has ended happily. My cousin was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a bone cancer, in her shoulder five years ago. She went through some intense chemo, and had extensive surgeries on her shoulder. While the going was tough on her and on her family, eventually she was found cancer-free! She’s now completely healthy, hasn’t had a recurrence of her cancer, and is 19 and in college, enjoying and loving her life
The amazing doctors in Boston and continual advances in medicine and cancer, as well as loads of support from family and friends, got her through her bout, and kicked her cancer to the curb! Best wishes for a blessed ride this weekend! ~Jenny
My cousin’s friend struggled for several years to get pregnant. Now that she’s finally into her second trimester, she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer in both breasts. She’s not taking her diagnosis lying down and is holding her own fundraiser walkathon next weekend.
I have lost many close family members to cancer: three grandparents, an aunt, an uncle, etc etc etc. Most of their battles were like your grandmother’s – brief, but intense. But my Memere (my dad’s mom) fought stomach cancer for many, many years. I only vaguely remember a time when she was not ill. And yet she fought on (against the cancer, as well as her old nemesis, dust bunnies!), never complaining, and constantly making the rest of us laugh. This 4’11″ ball of fire was always the one starting the water fight. Shortly before she passed away, she was lying in a hospital bed, very weak, but still full of faith and spirit. At one point, she leaned over to my dad and whispered, “well, I’ll be going home to be with the Lord soon.” My dad nodded. She continued, “and He’s got a mansion waiting for me.” Pause. “And guess what?” “What, mom?” Leaning closer, she chuckled, “I’m not even gonna have to dust it!”
So here’s to all those who died of their disease, but are victors over cancer all the same!
Hi Rebecca, My experience also has thankfully been very limited and fairly minor. My dad was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. He’s having surgery in a few weeks and hopefully that will be all the treatment he needs. Still, prayers are welcome. Good luck to you on your ride, and thank you!
Hi Rebecca-
Thank you for getting out there and taking on this challenge!
When I was 27 years old, my mother, 53, died of breast cancer after a very long battle. At the time, I had no idea that the doctors had given her maybe 6 months, but being a tough gal she hung on for two years.
There were rafts of treatments, the highs of remission and the lows of finding it had spread beyond expectation. She spent a good deal of time at Dana Farber, and I remember a young nurse named Maura was so kind and patient with all of us.
That was almost twenty years ago now. My mother never got to see me get married. I wanted her, missed her the most, when my own daughter was born. A daughter that has grown into a smart, sassy kid of whom she would have been so proud.
As I myself get closer to the age she was when she died, I can’t help but think all those dark thoughts; What if it happens to me? My daughter is only eleven!
Of course, while there is still no cure, medicine has advanced significantly in the last 20 years and the chances of survival for any woman today is greater than it was twenty years ago. Much of that is due to the commitment and research done by folks like those at Dana Farber.
And I’m not special, there are thousands out there with stories just like mine. So thank you for your efforts, on behalf of myself and all the mothers and daughters whose lives have been disrupted by this disease.
If you are looking for inspiration while you ride, remember that what you are doing can help someone attend a wedding, hold a grandchild, live a life.