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"Until There Is A Cure, We Ride"

Groton residents Ken Jeffries and Jackie Baker, who annually cycle the Pan Mass Challenge, continue to stay in contact with the Groton Herald. This year they raised $10,500 for life saving cancer treatment, and the Flying Henrys team they ride with has raised $626,000 to date for research at Dana Farber. The team rides in honor of Meghan McCarthy, who died January 19, 2010 at age 17.

Meghan McCarthy would have been 21 years old in August.  On June 3, 2007 at age 14, she was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, an inoperable brain tumor, and was given the unimaginable news that she would have two weeks to two years to live.

The Meghan McCarthy Research Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston was created in 2011 to further research in high grade pediatric brain tumors and to advance the search for a cure for all cancers. This fund is directly supporting research led by Mark Kieran, MD PhD, Director of Pediatric NeuroOncology at Dana Farber. 

Groton resident Ken Jeffries, who has cycled several PMC fundraisers with the Flying Henrys, was diagnosed with a brain tumor this past February. He had brain surgery in early March, six and a half weeks of radiation, then four weeks off followed by chemotherapy routine. He continues to fight and was able to cycle the 2013 PMC!

In this year's PMC, Jeffries got a lot of advice from Baker and his teammates to listen to his body and to pace himself.  

"While we were in our traditional team huddle at the starting line, Ken shared that he had carefully considered all of our heartfelt concern, so in fact,  he is going to listen to his body...and his body was telling him to go fast! " shared Baker. "That is exactly what he did. Despite a flat tire in the first 10 miles, he literally blew us all away. Inspiring and empowering for sure!!!  

"I plunked along at my steady (slow) pace, thrilled that my ankle held and that the weather was cool," Baker continued. "As in past years, I was encouraged by the riders who share their stories, the volunteers who take care of us and the spectators, family and friends who express gratitude in so many moving ways along the route. In those moments, when my resolve faltered, it was easy to draw on the collective strength of our angels (who we ride for) and all those battling cancer each day. Crossing the finish line as a team is a high that is hard to describe.

"Each year, there is a "Living proof" ceremony for cancer survivors who ride the PMC. Picture a perfect summer evening on the water front.  There is a sea of people in identical Living Proof T-shirts gathered for a photo and a champagne toast led by PMC founder Billy Starr. Jeffries and team captain Sherry Luliano (participating in the ceremony for her 9th year) are front and center with their arms wrapped around each other as the group is asked for a show of hands. How many are 20+ years cancer free, 15+ years, and so on, down to how many are less than one year cancer free or currently undergoing treatment," described Baker.  "It is impossible not to feel inspired and empowered, to feel hope and witness the will to fight back. The crowd goes wild and there is not a dry eye in the house. My brother Dan Baker was not at the finish line this year because he was mid treatment, but he was sporting the Living Proof button Sherry gave him at the finish line last year and cheering us on the whole way." 

After the ride, Ken and Jackie had easy recoveries and they made the most of another 'chemo free' weekend with a beautiful hike and kayak trip. "It felt great to NOT be biking," quipped Baker    

Jeffries plans to 'negotiate' the next chemo date so he can be ready for the biking leg of a triathlon in October (fingers crossed) and more good training for next year's PMC!.  

"As we clinked glasses in a virtual toast, I imagine her (Meghan) thrilled that so many continue her legacy.   Inspiration, Empowerment, Will, Honor, and especially Hope...a little goes a long way.   We are more determined than ever, because until there is a cure, we ride," concluded Baker.

Groton Herald

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