I’m riding in honor of my dad who is PMC Living Proof®, a title bestowed upon the fearless community of riders and volunteers who previously had, or are currently undergoing, cancer treatment.

My dad’s 2002 cancer diagnosis rocked my family’s foundation. As a teenager I couldn’t comprehend the weight of what it all meant, and I just remember being scared. My dad’s doctors at Dana-Farber were able to save him, but the diagnosis has had a lasting emotional effect even as the years of remission pile up.

My dad rode in the PMC from 2004 to 2017, and each year a different member of our family rode with him. He introduced me to the PMC and I’m honored to carry on the tradition.

My first PMC was back in 2006, and while I was a consistent PMC rider from 2009 to 2015 my family and I moved in 2016 and the PMC seemed too far away and too much of a logistical challenge to pull off.

This year I decided to put those excuses away.

My girlfriend, Becca, and I will be riding together. Becca’s mom, Julie, was diagnosed with cancer in 2006. This will be Becca’s first PMC and I’m so excited to share the experience with her!

The PMC is a cathartic release for all those who have been impacted by cancer. We get to come together, pound-the-pavement in solidarity, sweat it out, and smile through the pain. The PMC is a reminder to be grateful for your years. It’s an opportunity to ride for those who can’t.

I can’t believe I’ve been away for 6-years, but I am so excited to be back.