Team Avanti: Riding for 119 survivors, thrivers, and angels.
In 2006, we were wonderfully overwhelmed with the gracious generosity of friends and family who are shared their loved ones with us. This year, we know our packs can accommodate dozens -- or hundreds more -- because any added weight is entirely overpowered by the strength of the spirit that has been shared with us.
Here is a Google map of the second day of the ride.
We're riding to honor our 2007 teammates:
Loretta Myers, Jack Westcott, Lorita Aarons, John Becker and John Howell, Mark, Charles & Merlene Moody, George Donnelly, Thomas Terilli, Bob Krawic, Catherine Argyrople, Hanna Packman, Ed Linde, Jeannine Symonds, Raplph Mangone, Alice, Leslie Tsui, Meghan's dad's cousin, Patrick Rafter, Neil Swinton, Joel Lebowitz, Deborah Geiselman, Debbie Miran,
And our "veterans" from 2006,
Eve Marchiony, Helga Strowbridge, Debbi Finnerty, Ev May, Jack Hoffelder, Janice Hoffelder, Jodi Crego, Ligia Campos, German Campos, Garnet Harrison, Connie and Shel Perkins, Paula Drake, Deborah Bodner, Sherri Garber, Diane, Oui, Maureen, Arthur, Otto Rhoades, Toni Wolffe, Michelle Gorman, Grace A. Beath, Bruno Mozzone, Anne Nielsen Riis, Bill Zajkowski, Grace Lee, Sandy Robertson, Jesse Wolff, Peggy Hall, Bill Poduska, Eleni Anagnostopoulos Frances Crowell, Karen Gilmore, Earl Nichols, Dorrie Nichols, Laura Williamson, Jamie Sullivan, Valerie Dieter Leeds, Leanna Mossi, Atilio Mossi, Audrey McNiff, Kristine Scotto, Berkeley Bottjer, Linda Reagan, Joy DiMaggio, Harriett, Lee, Hugo, Theresa Ellis, Ilga Paddock, Margot Kruskall, Marilyn Baker, Carolyn Ellis, Barbara, Gene Webb, Jenny, Wendy Mathis, John Mathis, Bumpy & Arnie Olena , Trudy Harrison; Christina Prokopis Leonard, Patricia Winter Pickut, Barbara Winter Gregor, Frederick Alfred Rado; Joan Baker; Barbara Skiff; Alden Dean, Nick Baker, Bootsie and Charlie Carothers, Sally Windle, Dicker Ryder, Elissa Wolf-Tinsman, Susan Gallo, Meg Hausman, Betsy, Susie and Quinn, Anne, Becky; Ernest H. Bluman, Eve Marchiony, Irving F. Cohn, Benson I. Offit, Marian (Katy) Lebowitz, Beth Vernon, Helga Strowbridge, Marlis Powell, Karen Opseth, Harry Shutinya, Abra Cylus, Mark
A few words about the people we’ll be honoring during our ride:
2007....
from Carol Linde
Please ride for my 9 year old niece, Hannah Packman, who has beat Leukemia and my father-in-law, Ed Linde, who is battling cancer right now.
from Monica Nadreau
In loving memory of my mother who passed away from Cancer 32 years ago when she was in her late 40's
from Mary Aarons
today is the last day of my mother’s radiation treatments. She (Lorita D. Aarons aka Rita) was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer for the 2nd time (almost ten years after the first battle). In May she had surgery. My mother was born and raised in Boston and on the North Shore, and she currently lives in San Francisco. She’s an avid tennis player and has not let surgery or radiation keep her off the courts! In celebration of my mom’s last day of radiation please ride in her honor! I will send you a photograph tonite when I get home to my own online scrapbook.
from Kathy Kentfield
My brother-in-law, Mark. Mark was diagnosed with a rare blood disease at just a few weeks of age. The doctors told his parents that he wouldn't live longer than his 18th birthday. We loved being able to have a "twice-the-life-expectancy" party for his 36th! He'll be 47 this fall and is one of the oldest living survivors of his blood disease (he says it's because he's replaced all the blood in his veins with Miller Lite beer!) and due to all the steroids he has been on during his life, he has battled cancer twice. He's a fighter and has a great attitude. And when I am lamenting the fact that I am getting old he not-so-gently reminds me that there are NO bad birthdays, that if you are alive to see one, you should celebrate it! So I'd appreciate it if you added Mark to your list of people you will be thinking about on your trip.
From Meg Pierce,
You two are wonderous! I would love to add Robin and Judi to your list. Both are bravely standing up to the challenge of cancer. There are others who are in the legion of survivors: Phyllis, Leeds & Carolyn. And those, who did not win the earthly battle, but continue in my heart: John, Jane, Susan, Billy and others. I will have you in my heart and prayers – that the wind may be at your back as the Lord leads you to the eastern tip of Massachusetts. Many thanks for carrying our prayers with you.
from Julia Howell
John Becker, a 45-year and counting survivor of malignant melanoma. Ian's father, John Howell, passed away in June of 2005 in Australia after a 3-month battle with advanced liver cancer.
from Marilynn Moody
Remember both of my parents who died of lung cancer, Charles and Merlene Moody of Lancaster, NH who were my inspiration and examples of courage and strength.
from Brigid Cox
...my grandfather, George Donnelly, was a NYC firefighter. He died from lymphoma in 1997.
from Mark Terilli
As for cancer survivors, I know only one. My younger brother Thomas Terilli survived it.
from Jane McKee Douglas
Ride for your Mom! I think your rid noble and therapeutic. Good luck and carry your heart high!
from Steve Krawic
My dad, Bob, was a real good guy. I still aspire to be like him, and hope that he approves of my life. He died of cnacer 15 years ago, and I can't think of a better way to honor him than to put money towards the annual Pan Mass Challenge (besides staying fit and seeing a doctor for an annual). I think it's great that you are involved.
from Georgia Argyrople
My daughter Catherine is a cancer survivor. She was treated at the same time as Hannah Packman. Please add them to your list.
from Augie Arace
We have been one lucky family and with quite lucky friends for the most part with regard to cancer. We lost an aunt, Loretta Myers and I lost a good dear friend (a great skier too), Jack Westcott. I would be very pleased if you carry those names with you. Sorry, no pictures quickly enough. However, Loretta was a loving sister of my Mother, a great cook with a winning personality. Jack Westcott, in his days, was known for his athletic prowess, photographic memory and dedication to the radiology profession, having invented and given to society a procedure known as the "Westcott Needle".
from Bill Symonds
...Alice is the mother of my wife's closest friend. She was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The diagnosis came at a terrible time for her daughter, who is struggling with a marriage that is collapsing. I don't know Alice well, but I've known her daughter for years. I hope you will keep her in your prayers.
...Jeannine Symonds was my first wife. She died of breast cancer in 1989. Many people said that Jeannine was the most optimistic person they'd ever met. She always had a smile and laugh -- even during her final weeks of life. If she had a fault, it was that she always seemed to be thinking of someone else first. (Believe it or not, she was criticized for this). This quality helped make her an exceptional teacher. Jeannine defied all of the old-wives tales that we sometimes hear about cancer: that it's brought on by a bad diet, wild living, etc. Indeed, until her diagnosis, she was an outstanding athlete and model of healthy living.
Though Jeannine lost her battle with cancer, our daughter Cathy is now carrying on the fight. Cathy just graduated from college with a double degree in microbiology and Italian, and has already embarked on graduate work in microbiology. Her dream is to do cancer research!
...Ralph Mangone was Jeannine's father. I had the privilege of knowing him for nearly 20 years, until he died of kidney cancer in 2000. While Ralph was a highly-respected metallurgist, his skills as a father and grandfather really set him apart. He was incredibly devoted to his family, even to the end. Indeed, the week he died, he called each of us into his room to offer us individual advice. He was an inspiration to anyone who aspires to be a great Dad. I hope you will remember him in that spirit.
Blessings on your ride!
from Walter Tsui
my wife, Leslie. We met the summer after college and have been inseparable ever since (over twenty years now!). She is my best friend, my soulmate, my bedrock, and my true love. She is also a cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2005, and spent much of the rest of that year going through surgery, chemo, and radiation. I'm thrilled to report that, she just had a clean 2 year mammogram a couple of months ago, and we're starting to find our way towards the "new normal."
Part of my new normal is riding the PMC. I rode for the first time in 2006, and little did I know just what a life-changing experience it would be for me: having never done anything of the sort before, I was not prepared for the supporters and signs by the side of the road; the kindness and dedication of all the volunteers; the beauty of riding along the Cape Cod canal at sunrise; the stunning scenery and glorious ocean views of the second day; the emotional roller coaster of seeing all the stories, photos and ribbons on riders' jerseys, signs, etc. ; and most of all, the feeling of being among literally thousands of people with a common goal -- a goal that has become very important to me.
So, needless to say, I'm planning to ride again this summer, to thank the wonderful folks at DFCI for all they've done and continue to do, to try to make some contribution (however small) to the fight against cancer, but most of all, to support Leslie, my mother (also a breast cancer survivor), Hannah, our dear friend Kathy L, Susan N and all the others who have fought and are fighting this devastating disease.
from Meghan Frost
As you ride, think of my dad's cousin who is dying as I write from cancer. I do not know him well but it has hit my dad pretty hard. And then we have my middle school friend whose mother died from breast cancer and a year ago and then 6 months later she was diagnosed with breast cancer and he sister was told she had the gene for it. My friend and her sister have all had treatment and both are doing really well right now but it's always there! The list goes on but those are the people I think of often these days.
from John Marchiony
for Patrick Rafter, who confronted a cancerous brain tumor ten years ago. He lost half his hair to the chemo, shaved the rest, survived having his skull opened up and yet lost none of his humor and grace, I assume, 'cause he's damn funny and thoroughly genuine.
from Adrienne Robertson
Sandy Robertson, who successfully battled breast cancer and is now a 15-year survivor.
from Mercer Riis
Doug's beloved mother Anne Nielsen Riis who died at age 62 of the old fashioned radiation she had for breast cancer she'd had 15 years previous! We were grateful for the 15 years. Just imagine a woman who loved life and lived it to the fullest, found everyone she met interesting, and died way too young!
from Anne Ruggles
My dad is very sick with cancer at the moment. It would mean a lot if you carry his name. His name is Neil Swinton. Thanks and good luck next weekend!
from Kathy Cohn
Cancer Victims Who I Love with All My Heart: Ernest H. Bluman, beloved grandfather; Eve Marchiony, beloved aunt; Irving F. Cohn, beloved father-in-law; Benson I. Offit, beloved uncle; Marshall and Marian (Katy) Lebowitz, dear friend; Beth Vernon, dear childhood friend; and Helga Strowbridge, dear friendl Abra Cylus, dear friend,
Cancer Survivors: Marlis Powell, mother; Joel Lebowitz (has prostate cancer), Deborah Geiselman (has Stage 4 breast cancer), Karen Opseth, dear friend; Debbie Miran (leukemia), Harry Shutinya, dear friend.
from John Sallay
I would appreciate your adding the names two fellow parishioners recently diagnosed with cancer to your backpack: Anne and Becky.
from Bill Brown
to honor Betsy, Susie and Quinn
from Jamie MacMillan
to honor Kelly Wyke and Laurie MacMillan
from Warren Radke,
to honor Mary Abraham and Julie Kaufman, M.D. Mary is Warren's daughter in law. At age 32, she was diagnosed with a rare cancer in the cartilidge of her hip. Now, 10 years after radical surgury - her leg was removed and reattached - she is living a normal and cancer free life! Julie is Warren's personal physician. She has had a reoccurance of breast cancer and is currently on leave receiving treatment.
from Lalla Carothers,
for Bootsie and Charlie Carothers, as well as my aunt, Sally Windle (died of breast cancer at 43), my aunt, Dicker Ryder (ovarian), and several friends who've survived breast cancer: Elissa Wolf-Tinsman, Susan Gallo, Meg Hausman.
from Tootsie Thomas,
Joan Baker, Barbara Skiff, Alden Dean, Nick Baker
from Bryan Winter
Christina Prokopis Leonard (Elizabeth’s Friend); Patricia Winter Pickut (My Aunt – pancreatic cancer age 39); Barbara Winter Gregor (My Aunt – lung cancer age 36); Frederick Alfred Rado (My Granddad – kidney cancer age 62)
from Beth and Dennis Goldstein
Please keep in mind our next door neighbor, Trudy Harrison. She is a kind lady and is undergoing chemo treatments right now.
from Marnie Olena,
Both my parents, Bumpy & Arnie Olena, had cancer but in all cases it was caught very early with no spread. Mom had lung cancer caught early while looking for something else, Dad had lung (caught early while looking for something else), prostate (caught with the blood test and fixed (or thereabouts) with surgery), and colon (caught during a routine colonoscopy and removed with surgery).
from John Bulbrook & Carolyn Ellis,
Berkeley Bottjer [Carter Crawford's daughter], Linda Reagan*, Joy DiMaggio, Harriett, Lee, Hugo, Theresa Ellis* [Carolyn’s mom], Ilga Paddock*, Margot Kruskall*, Marilyn Baker*, Carolyn Ellis, Barbara, Gene Webb*, Jenny, Wendy Mathis, and John Mathis.
from Maggie Tyler
Kristine Scotto, my friend and cancer survivor Kristine who rode for me when I was sick.
from Audrey McNiff
Anne McNiff, my mother, was 64 when she died of Ovarian Cancer after a 6+ year struggle (the same disease which claimed my grandmother and great grandmother). She loved her children, grandchildren, traveling and collecting (mainly silly things like beach glass and blue bottles).
from Rob Mossi,
Leanna Mossi (currently battling leukemia) & Atilio Mossi (prostate cancer survivor)
from Sally Malconian,
Earl Nichols: Kathy's stepfather who lost his battle with bladder cancer this past April. Dorrie Nichols: Kathy's mother who is currently winning her own battle with bladder cancer. Laura Williamson: Kathy's niece who has been battling a brain tumor for the past 9 years (currently age 14). Jamie Sullivan: a 13 year old son of our dear friends, Janey and Leslie, who has been waging a fierce battle against cancer for the past year and a half. Valerie Dieter Leeds: my college roommate who lost a battle to cancer at age 49, leaving behind a husband and 2 young sons.
from Elizabeth Rodgers,
Frances Crowell has had breast cancer too....surgery and radiation in November of 1999. And our good friend Karen Gilmore.
from Effie Anagnostopoulos
My mother Eleni was diagnosed with cancer early this year - to our sadness and surprise. Fortunately, it was caught very early and the doctors believe it will likely go into remission, but she is in the midst of her chemo now and it is quite a harsh treatment.
from Denise Mosher,
Jesse Wolff with you. He was my dad who died of Pancreatic cancer about 11 years ago at age 53.
from John Chakin,
Mary Tipton Bodmer, 1st cousin once removed. She’s 71 years old with terminal cancer.
from Deborah Zajkowski
Bill Zajkowski died of lung cancer and my aunt Grace Lee survived breat cancer.
from Bob & Ann Hoffelder:
Jack Hoffelder (Bob's brother)
Janice Hoffelder (Bob's brother's wife)
Jodi Crego (Ann's cousin)
from Judy Campos:
Ligia Campos mother-in-law who died of cancer in 2005;
German Campos, her husband, who is in treatment
from Gary Green
Jennifer Kay, classmate and friend from Dartmouth who worked to get more young women interested in science and technology.
from Sam Zales
Bob Rech, our Dartmouth classmate, a wonderful friend, talented football player and then coach, devoted husband, father, and son. What a loss for the world.
from Rob Rodgers
Garnet Harrison, Rob’s nana. ,battled and beat breast cancer. Lived gracefully through her 80's.
Ev May was one of the greatest friends I have ever had. In a very real way, he saved my life.
from Bill Poduska
Peggy Hall, Susan Poduska's mother, died of lung cancer. Bill Poduska battled and beat prostate cancer.
from Mary King
my parents Connie and Shel Perkins who both died of cancer in the 70s
from Dan and Serena Silber
Deborah Bodner is currently battling breast cancer. She is the sister of Dan's high-school buddy, Jack.
from Dan and Serena Silber
Deborah Landesman is currently battlingcancer. She is the sister of Dan's high-school buddy, Jack.
from Sarah & Ned Rossiter:
Diane (Sarah's friend)
Oui (Sarah's friend)
Maureen (Sarah's friend)
Arthur (Ned's father, who died)
from Ted Rhoades
Otto Rhoades, his father
from Artie Rice
Toni Wolffe (age 54) is undergoing chemo for breast cancer
Michelle Gorman, a very close friend who battled and died of breast cancer at the age of 47.
from Mary Beath,
To Grace A. Beath, the most wonderful mother, friend and role model in the world. XO, Mary.
Bruno Mozzone, the best Dad ever
from John Marchiony,
for Eve Marchiony, my Mom, and her best friend Helga Strowbridge. They were quite a pair, playful and just throughout their lives. And Judy Siegel adds: They -- Eve and Helga -- both color my life with their acts of generosity and humor.
"Kicked By An Angel" is a moving blog, subtitled "My thoughts on life as I struggle through breast cancer"
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