In November of 2008, Stephen Pratt was diagnosed with Mantel Cell Lymphoma, a rare blood cancer with a 75% mortality rate within one year. With the possibility of the end relatively close, he began the first of six rounds of intense chemotherapy and went through an autologous bone marrow transplant, all while being part of a Scandinavian trial that produced the Nordic Regime, an innovative treatment that would eventually save his life.

“When I was originally diagnosed, I was pretty sure that I was not going to make it and started making provisions for my family (both his kids were under the age of ten at the time),” Pratt said. “Nothing is guaranteed in a world where cancer affects 28 million people. One in every two knows someone involved with cancer.”

Once he was cleared and in remission from the deadly disease, Pratt was looking for a way to pay his debt forward. Being a long-time competitive cyclist since the early 80’s, he decided to ride for all the sacrifices of those who fought the disease and succumbed. The Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) is a fundraising bike-a-thon started in 1980 by Billy Starr to benefit the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute via the Jimmy Fund. It raises more money than any other single athletic fundraiser in the country.

In addition to the Scandinavian treatment, the amazing caregivers at Newton Wellesley Hospital and Mass General were just as important to Pratt’s recovery. That first year, Pratt took part in the 192-mile ride for the PMC from Sturbridge to Provincetown over two days. He felt that he was in good enough shape after having been riding more than 7,000 miles per year and 140 a week, but still was unsure of what he was getting into riding the PMC.

“I understood the terrain, but didn’t expect what I was about to encounter,” Pratt said that first ride. “It was like the Boston Marathon crowds, but for 192-miles. The amount of people that turn out from all the little towns you ride through was totally amazing and something I will never forget.”

Pratt, who rode in his 15th PMC this past August, also noted that while the people were cheering him and the other riders on, it was something that would engulf them and eventually take control of their feelings.

“Riding the PMC becomes very addictive; once you do it you continue to keep signing up year after year,” Pratt said. “I can’t guarantee I’ll be there next year, but I am going to try, and as long as my body allows it, I’ll be back on my bike for the cause.”

On the day of the ride, Pratt jumps on his bike at his Norwood home and rides the eight miles to Dover where he then eases into the rest of the ride. Over the last few years, he has done the Wellesley to Bourne route, and although it is a shorter ride, he is still empowered by the people he meets along the way. While riding, he hears the stories of the other riders and how they are showcasing their loved ones. 

“You see tons of pictures of loved ones who had been lost or treated,” Pratt said. “Myself, I have been writing on my legs with a sharpie of all my friends who are being treated. The PMC may be considered an athletic event, but it’s mission is front and center and that’s one of the most important parts.”

Pratt feels lucky to have come in contact with the treatment that saved his life and will continue to pay it forward as long as he can.

“If you told me that two years after my diagnoses that I’d be riding 192-miles across the state – I would have never believed you,” Pratt said. “Now I’m a Living Proof Rider.”