guest blog post by Lauren Lenkaitis Raffoni (PMC Winter Cycle instructor, 11am session)

My father, former Patriot Bill Lenkaitis, lost his fight to brain cancer in August 2016.  Watching him fight for 18 months was heartbreaking. Since he was mentally gone before he was physically gone, I felt angered that I was robbed those last precious days to reminisce about days past and talk about days ahead. He was the greatest, strongest, self-made success, unique, no bullshit person I have ever known.   Instead of feeling sorry myself, I decided I had to do my part in finding a cure. No matter how big or small.

He was diagnosed with a glioblastoma February 2015. They were able to operate, but as most glioblastomas are extremely aggressive, it returned right before Christmas 2015. No one should have to feel the pain and suffering we felt watching his health decline over the next 8 moths. No one should suffer from cancer. We need to cure it. We need to cure it NOW!

For those that knew my Dad knew he was a very talented athlete. He worked very hard for everything he had. In his memory I have committed to riding in the PMC Winter Cycle, as well as 168 miles at the PMC. For all those battling cancer, I choose to ride!