Cancer Survivor's 'Ice Couch Kiss' Becomes Cherished Tradition

In 2004, Ellen Freeman Roth, a seven-time rider in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), was featured in the event's opening ceremonies video. Having previously undergone preventative surgeries due to a BRCA gene mutation discovered after her mother and aunt died of cancer, Roth found profound value in the research supported by the PMC. She later faced breast cancer, undergoing a mastectomy. During the 2004 ride, two strangers, Dave Grossman and Tom Tinory, offered her a kiss on the 'ice couch' in Wellfleet, a moment captured in a photograph that would become significant.

For eight years, Roth cherished the photo without knowing the identities of the men. A conversation with a fellow rider eventually revealed their identities as Grossman and Tinory, her 'mystery men.' This discovery led to a heartwarming reunion and the recreation of the 'ice couch kiss,' which has since become an annual tradition for the three. Roth joined their PMC team, Team Huckleberry, in 2014, with the August ride serving as their yearly reunion.

The PMC's impact extends deeply to these riders. Tom Tinory, a 39-year rider, initially joined for fitness but was profoundly affected when his sister was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2001. Dave Grossman, a 45-year rider, lost his mother to thyroid cancer and has himself survived Stage 4 melanoma, crediting immunotherapy and ongoing research. Steve Siegel, another rider, recently lost his brother to glioblastoma. These personal connections fuel their dedication to the PMC's mission, raising funds for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where 100% of rider-raised dollars are directed.