I rode my first PMC in 1992 with Deb’s brother Tom after our brother- in- law Kevin was diagnosed with lung cancer. My sister Karen was already a 16 year survivor of breast cancer and my Grandmother died from colon cancer at the young age of 54. I saw the PMC as way to fight back. My brother in law lost his battle a few months after my first ride. My Father was diagnosed with Lymphoma in 1994. That same year my wife Deb joined me in riding. We rode several memorable PMC’s on a tandem.
Over the next few years several other family members and friends heard the words “You have cancer”. Some have fought and won their battle against cancer while for others the outcome has not been as good. Treatments that were in the developmental stage when I began riding are now used on a daily basis saving countless lives.
In February of 2009, my mother underwent emergency surgery to remove a cancerous tumor blocking her colon. Although, they were able to remove the tumor the cancer had metastasized to other organs. On April 8th my, Mom lost her battle passing peacefully surrounded by family. During my 18 years of riding my Mother was my biggest supporter extremely proud of what we were doing. The last check she wrote was to the PMC for my 2009 ride. This years training and ride will be very special for me. Each turn of the pedals are dedicated to her memory.
www.pmc.org/kr0006
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