Lea Peterson's Ride

On February 27, 2015, my mom Connie Peterson passed away from terminal liver cancer. She was diagnosed 7 months earlier, in the beginning of my sophomore year of high school. Before she was diagnosed, my mom was the hardest working, most loving , and healthiest person I knew. She loved her family more than anything, and was not only extremely commited to her own health, but also her family's. She participated in yoga, beachbody, shakeology, cleanses, an organic and vegan eating lifestyle, and massage therapy. Despite her incredible commitment to her health, cancer was still able to appear in her body, in its most vicious form.

I knew that I could not do anything about her condition, but I did know that I could help make it so that other families never had to go through what our family did. I rode in the Pan-Mass challenge for the first time in 2015, at age 15, being the youngest rider. Collectively, my team Big Lion, named in honor of my mom, raised over 20,000 dollars. It is my goal to continue riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge for as long as I can.

This year, I will be riding again with team Big Lion, a team which includes my father Cristopher Peterson and our good friend Lucy Smith. My mom was treated at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and without them, she would not have been able to be with us for as long as she was. We are forever grateful for their commitment to my mom and our family. 100 percent of donations will be donated to Dana Farber.

Why I Ride ...

My Supporters

John Nordquist
D Jarrett Collins I met you and your dad at lunch in P'town this year, Lea; in 9 years of the PMC, I've never been more impressed with another rider. Thank you for reminding me why we do this, and good luck at college.
Anonymous We lost our son and brother to liver cancer this January. It's a brutal disease that affects all ages. Your story touched our hearts. May the wings of angels help you ride!	$100.00
Edward Buckley Good luck Lea	$25.00
Joyce Esker Go Team Big Lion!
Deon Zitek Such a great tribute to your mom! Have a great ride!	$200.00
Jen Johnson Good Luck! Will be thinking of you and your dad this weekend.
Kyle Braile Good luck team Big Lion!
Tammy Ostoin We support you Lea! -Maya and family	$100.00
Anonymous So sorry for your loss. Lost my dad to cancer. Saw you & your dad out training today. Wishing you the best on the PMC	$50.00
Sue Poirier Keep riding, I know your Mom is watching over you. Have a safe ride.
Andrew Abu	$50.00
Clifford Bodenweiser	$25.00
Matthew Herman	$25.00
Joe Malavez	$25.00
Stephanie Mariano-Kenney	$25.00
Sara Fodera	$25.00
Anonymous Good luck to you and your dad, Lea! All our best, Justine Nicholson & Family
Anonymous Thank you!	$25.00
Melissa Fletcher
Tricia Moloney So proud of you! Your dedication to this cause serves as a tribute to your mother and to all who have been affected by cancer. Best of luck!	$100.00
The Crisfields	$100.00
Marcella Reid	$100.00
April Drew
Carol Arkland Good Luck Lea! Thank you for riding again this year. You are an inspiration and I am very proud of you. Have a safe ride.	$150.00
Karlyn Gale You are an amazing Young Lady Lea!! Keep up the great work!! <3
Christopher HACK So glad you both are riding again!	$250.00
Christine Horn Proud of you Lea!	$50.00
Cheryl Kilcoyne Leah, you are an inspiration to other young people. Best wishes for a safe ride! The Kilcoyne Family
Jon Rodman Good luck Lea! Natalie and the Rodman Family
Anonymous Lea, Im sorry to hear that this happened to you. Good luck with your ride and we are happy to support you. The OBriens
Anonymous I am so sorry for your loss! Good Luck!	$50.00

My Rides

2017	$4,719.25	Sturbridge to Provincetown Inn (2-Day)
2016	$4,575.00	Sturbridge to Provincetown Inn (2-Day)
2015	$6,835.00	Wellesley to Family Finish at Ptown (2-Day)