PMC 2011

Thriving takes many forms.

I was reminded of that recently when I participated in my 14th Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), the annual charity ride across my home state-- and the birthplace of Paul's Posse.

For the second year running, I was on the sidelines instead of on a bike, which I must admit was bittersweet. Watching people ride by carries its own inspiration, but I'm eager to get back on the proverbial horse! My health is improving and I'm disease free. My body continues to defy the odds, and is still responding to Gleevec. PMC 2012, here I come...

I'm especially proud that the Posse rolls on without me...It was 26 riders strong this year, and multi-generational. There were two father/son combos, and the daughter of my doctor, George Demetri, rode along with her dad. While we certainly ride for the common good, we ride as a team united in solidarity honoring our friendship and unyielding passion to help eradicate cancer. The PMC is unquestionably a reaffirmation of the human spirit. I cannot help but hope that this collective support and focus will be rewarded someday soon with cures. That's what Paul's Posse is all about!

George's research into rare cancers again is the beneficiary of the Posse's amazing success -- this year's effort brought the five-year total to more than $1.3 million. Overall, the PMC expects to raise more than $34 million this year in a Posse accident-free event that drew the likes of Lance Armstrong.

The following (link) is a video that was created by my friend and videographer, Sharon Sullivan, who wanted to tell my story of Thriving. I think it captures beautifully what the PMC, and Paul's Posse, are all about. Watching it reminds me of how fortunate I am. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS50m7w8F-E .

All of this is to say, that his time next year, I'll be writing you about my experience RIDING in the Pan-Mass Challenge. 

I Thrive On,

Paul