It’s that time of year again… gearing up for PMC Ride #11!

In February 2015, my mom, Connie Peterson, passed away from cholangiocarcinoma—a rare and aggressive form of gallbladder cancer. She had been diagnosed just seven months earlier, at the beginning of my sophomore year of high school. My mom was the hardest-working, most compassionate person I knew. She cherished her family above all else and was deeply committed to our health and well-being. Despite all her strength, cancer moved quickly and viciously through her body.

While I couldn’t change her fate, I knew I could fight back—for her and for others. So just six months after she passed, I rode in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) for the first time. That ride changed my life. Since then, I’ve ridden every single year to honor her memory, to raise funds for critical cancer research, and to support every family affected by this disease.

Now, eleven years later, the PMC and our fight continues on.

I’ve entered my second year as a Physician Assistant in oncology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia. I specialize in Malignant Hematology, caring for patients battling the most complex and aggressive blood cancers. Every day, I witness both the devastating impact of cancer and the profound hope that cutting-edge treatment and research can bring.

Now, I ride not only for my mom—but for every single patient I care for.

This summer, I’ll ride in my 11th PMC with Team Big Lion, alongside my dad, Cris Peterson, and our close friends Lucy Smith and Tim McCaffrey. My mom received care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and we are forever grateful for their expertise and compassion. 100% of the funds raised go directly to Dana-Farber—fueling breakthroughs that are saving lives every day.

For the third year in a row, we’ve also partnered with the PMC Pedal Partner Program, which connects riders to young patients currently undergoing treatment. We’re excited to meet our partner soon..

Whether you're a longtime donor or supporting the PMC for the first time, your contribution goes directly to cancer research and care at Dana-Farber, helping to drive life-saving breakthroughs around the world. Every dollar truly counts. Together, we’re funding the research that leads to cures—progress I witness every single day. Honoring my mom’s legacy—and now the patients I care for—through the PMC ride is a profound privilege, and I’m endlessly grateful for your compassionate and unwavering support.