This year will mark the 9th year without someone dear to my heart, my sister Rachel. She was bright happy ball of energy that had so much potential. She was an aspiring artist, whom I wish to have seen go on to do great things. Sadly she passed away at the very young age of 10 in August of 2008. Rachel and I were very close, I can still remember the weekends we would wake up early to play legos. I remember how creative she was and the love she had for art. I wish I could have seen the women she would have been today. Rachel was diagnosed with a brain tumor in September 2007, a short year before her passing. That year was the toughest of our family's life, as we watched her become so fragile and frail. Throughout all that whole year Rachel was the strongest girl you will ever meet, she NEVER once complained, only crying when was told she would lose her hair. Rachel had a fantastic sense of humor and a quick wit, a radiant smile and she exuded happiness. She is and always will be greatly missed.

*UPDATE* Thanks everyone for the huge amount of support I have far surpassed my original goal and thus have updated my goal. With your help I think we can make it!

Follow my progress on twitter @Riding4Rachel

View photos of Rachel https://imgur.com/a/0cJ2S

More about Rachel Here

On August 5, I will join more than 6,000 other cyclists in the 37th Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, a bike-a-thon that raises money for cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. This spectacular event raised more than $47 million last year by donating 100% of all rider raised funds to the DFCI. The PMC holds the promise of helping eradicate this disease which affects millions each year.

I will be riding a 190-mile route from Sturbridge to Provincetown. To take part in this event I need to raise a minimum of $4,800 and am asking for your help in achieving this goal. Donations are tax deductible.

If you prefer to write a check, please make it out to the PMC, The Jimmy Fund or Dana Farber Cancer Institute and mail them to me. I have until October 1 to complete my fundraising efforts.

Jacob Lee

31 Hillanadale Rd,

Ashburnham, Ma 01430

If your employer has a matching gift program, get the form from HR, and follow the process for matches.

**MAPFRE Insurance supports the PMC! Donating $25 or more to my campaign makes you eligible for a 5% discount* on any new or existing MAPFRE Insurance (formerly The Commerce Insurance Company) Massachusetts auto insurance policy. Visit www.mapfreinsurance.com/pmc today for more information.

Any contribution you can make toward my ride would be most gratefully appreciated. The PMC is a way for me to honor my sister who met her battle with high spirit, no complaints and loads of determination.

Thanks for your help!