August 10, 2006
Pan-Mass. Challenge lifts spirits, support for Dana-Farber
The world is full of uncertainties. For those diagnosed with cancer, doubts come in the form of questions ranging from ‘Will the treatments work?' to ‘Will there be a recurrence?' Waiting for answers can be fearful and worrisome.
On the weekend of Aug. 5-6, nearly 4,300 cyclists and 2,500-plus volunteers took part in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC), co-sponsored by the Boston Bed Sox Foundation and Overstock.com, with additional help from more than 200 companies. They rode to raise funds for cancer research and care, in hopes of providing a few certainties – such as new treatments and cures.
One such rider was Samuel Blackman, MD, PhD, a pediatric fellow at Dana-Farber, who participated in the event for the first time. One of many DFCI staff cycling in or volunteering at the event, he rode in memory and in honor of 23 of his patients.
"It's a remarkable privilege meeting, caring for, and being with these kids and their families," said Blackman. A mountain biker and fitness instructor for many years, he found keeping up with cycling difficult during his residency. "Never have I seen such resiliency as I have in these children. Their capacity to persevere, fight, and desire to get better is unimaginable. One day, walking across the PMC Bridge and hearing that the ride was coming up, I was inspired to get back on my bike for them. My wife and I registered within the first hour."
In doing so, they joined others from 36 states and six countries riding to support fights against cancer by friends, loved ones, and (in some cases) themselves in the 27th annual PMC. Passing through 43 cities and towns across Massachusetts on eight one- and two-day routes, the nation's largest athletic fundraising event hopes to raise $25 million for the Jimmy Fund this year. To date, cyclists have collected more than $145 million since the PMC's 1980 inception.
Jeff Hayes, 17, of Sandwich, Mass., who was a star defenseman for the Sandwich High School hockey team, is one of Blackman's patients. Hayes was diagnosed in 2005 with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer that had already metastasized to his lungs by the time he was treated. Currently enrolled in a study testing the efficacy of an experimental drug, Hayes' lung tumor has disappeared, and he's now exploring next treatment steps with his care team.
"Dr. Blackman is a wonderful person," says Susan Hayes, Jeff's mother. "I've been hanging on to his sleeve, so to speak, since we met him. He's straightforward, anticipates side effects, and stays with you in close contact to ensure proper care throughout treatment. He's concerned for Jeff and all his patients, and this ride is an extension of the great care he provides."
Perfect Fit
In addition to being Blackman's patient, Jeff is the PMC "Pedal Partner" for the Boston Bruins hockey team. The Pedal Partner Program connects PMC cyclists with the very children for whom they ride and raise money – an exciting and moving experience for all involved.
"The PMC is a great opportunity for the Bruins to continue its commitment to giving back to the community," said Kim Jacobs, team captain of the Bruins' PMC squad and wife of Charles Jacobs, executive vice president of the National Hockey League team. "We're thrilled to be riding and raising money for cancer research, and having Jeff as our Pedal Partner is a perfect fit."
This summer marked the first time the Bruins had a PMC team. Jacobs' contingent included former players Shawn McEachern, Terry O'Reilly, Gary Doak, Lyndon Byers, Don Sweeney, and Bob Sweeney, and since the Hayes family's home is on the PMC route, they visited Jeff for breakfast and a dose of inspiration before completing their second day of riding. They were among many celebrity riders, including Greg LeMond, three-time winner of the Tour de France bike race; Carlton Cuse, executive producer of the TV show "Lost"; and Uta Pippig, Boston Marathon Champion in 1994-96.
"Being a Pedal Partner and spending time with the Bruins took all the attention off Jeff's treatment and lifted his spirits," explained Susan Hayes. "He's loved hockey and the Bruins since he was 5 years old."
Some of the money Blackman raised through his fundraising efforts will be set aside as $10,000 "mini" grants for novel research studies that would not be large enough to receive more traditional grants or federal funding.
"A person is fortunate to be healthy, and I hope the money we raised will help develop treatments to help these kids and others like them get their health back," said Blackman. "Working with my patients has given me a renewed appreciation for life. They've helped me grow as an individual and as a physician. I get up every morning and think I'm the luckiest person in the world to do what I do."
- Dawn Stapleton
Dawn_Stapleton@dfci.harvard.edu
