Tomorrow, I am participating for the fourth time in Pan-Massachusetss Challenge to benefit the Jimmy Fund and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The PMC bike ride is the largest fund raiser for the Dana Farber. Last year, we raised $16 million dollars!!! And, 93 cents of every dollar goes to the Dana Farber. This year is the 25th anniversary of the PMC - we plan to raise $17 million, again 93 cents of every dollar will go to the Dana Farber. The PMC has donated almost $120 million over its 25 year history. The PMC is a 192 mile bike ride from Sturbridge, Massachusetts to Provincetown waaaay out on the Cape.

If anyone would like to sponsor my ride, please contact me at jestey@mfs.com or at jaestey@msn.com. I ride in memory of all those who have lost their battles with cancer, especially Ted Bartling, David and Doris Estey, Bill Estey, Mary Johnson, Martin Lorenz, Cheryl Sanborn, David Sanborn and Ann Smith. I also ride to celebrate all of those who are currently fighting cancer and those who have been successful, especially Leni Bane, Ken Johnson, Susan Crowley and Chris LaVallee.

Thanks everyone, and pray for cool weather and the wind at my back!

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Jen



179/179/120

I can't think of a better cause. I lost my dad two months ago to cancer. Wishing you all the luck in the world.

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Started Atkins-1/2/04
174 lbs at heaviest



5'0 154/136.5/130

Crystal - I am so sorry to hear that. He will be in my thoughts tomorrow.

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Jen



179/179/120

So Jestey, how did you make out??? Hope all went well. Thank you for your thoughts.

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Started Atkins-1/2/04
174 lbs at heaviest



5'0 154/136.5/130

It was a great ride. Absolutely spectacular weather! I think it was 70 the whole time and not humid. Last year, it poured and was hot and humid all day. The year before that, I saw road temps of 100! There were tons of people lining the route, and all the pedal partners (these are people in active treatment at DFCI) came out (if able) to the watestop in Lakeville, MA. We had about 3700 riders this year, and thanks to the wonderful weather, there were very few wrecks (19, compared to last years 100+).

This must be such a difficult time for you. I thought about you on the ride (don't know your name or your Dad's) and I am thinking about you now.

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Jen



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good for you, jestey! Glad to hear about the decrease in wrecks!

(i never though of that. gosh!)

Yep, kind of scary when you have so many cyclists on the road at the same time, and the roads are not closed to traffic. Certainly keeps you on your toes (or brakes, I should say!).

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Jen



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Jestey: I'm working at a church where the Senior Pastor (25 year tenure) is being treated for liver cancer at Dana Farber. He is doing quite well right now, but we all know what the outcome will be. I'm working as Senior Pastor on an interim basis. I do what he just doesn't feel like doing; most of the preaching, teaching, worship planning, administration. I also do some pastoral care. It's a challenging position, but very rewarding at the same time. Thanks for you time on Sunday. We prayed out loud for you in church on Sunday.
Peace, Peg

Oh, Peg! Thanks for the prayers! I am so sorry to hear about your pastor, just know that he is receiving the best of the best at Dana Farber. I will keep him in mind, too.

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Jen



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Jestey, thanks so much for the thoughts for me and my dad during your ride. (BTW..my name is Crystal...Dad's was Roy). It was really weird...the day my mom had her last radiation treatment for breast cancer was the day my dad's cancer was diagnosed. My family and I are still having a very difficult time, but thoughtful people like you and your fellow riders help more than you can realize. Thank you again.

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Started Atkins-1/2/04
174 lbs at heaviest



5'0 154/136.5/130