Pan Mass Challenge Gives Children A Chance To Get Involved

As a journalist, many people have sat before me answering questions or telling their tale.  None have affected me more than those who have survived the outstanding obstacles that life unexpectedly has thrown in their path.  Each of our paths are different, but you can’t help but wonder why some paths are full of spikes and thorns and others seem to be smoothly paved and lined with roses. This is especially true when it comes to the life of a child.

I have written and told the story of so many parents who have either lost a child to cancer or are in the midst of the battle.  As a journalist, it is my job to capture how they feel and what they are going through with the idea that those going through the same thing will find solace and those blissfully unaware will learn that there are greater worries out there than those they are dealing with.  Hearing and telling their stories has changed me and made me realize the tremendous need that is waiting for us to act upon and hopefully, revise the ending of the story to a happy one.  The articles I have written provide some perspective and hopefully spur people to get involved, give and help in some way. 

My husband was a match for someone on the national bone marrow registry last year and it was an amazing experience to see first hand the process that could perhaps save someone’s life.  Did it help?  We don’t know for certain, but it was a chance for the man he was a match for and that is enough reason to get involved.  Sometimes the things that you do for others have a silent result. You may never know the outcome or whether you made a difference.  I believe this is because it is not about you and “feeling you accomplished something”. It is about the act of giving back even if you never know how much of a difference you have made.

There are many other ways where even your children can learn to do their part in helping the fight against cancer.

The Pan Mass Challenge Exeter Kids Ride is set for Saturday at the Timberland Industrial Park in Stratham.  Open for children ages 3 to 13, the June 11 event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. It will benefit the Dana Farber Cancer Institute Jimmy Fund.

The ride is a fun and unique way to involve young people in volunteerism and fundraising in a safe and athletic way. The challenge ends with refreshments, games and raffles and the children have a blast while feeling a part of something bigger than all of us.

By involving our children in the offering of support and the process of raising money for research and treatments against this dreaded disease, you give them the power to change the lives of others.

To learn more about registering go to http://kids.pmc.org/exeter.