There are many big and scary things in this world that seem impossible for any one person to have an impact on. I used to think that cancer was one of them. Then 2 years ago, I set out on my journey to ride the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC). What I witnessed first hand was how much impact a group of people can have when they band together and work towards a common goal -- to make a difference in the fight against cancer.

I rode my heart out, 192 miles. And although it was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, it was nothing compared to the fight that people endure every day against cancer. I also found out that we can all make a difference. I exceeded my fundraising goal of $4500, and our team raised $50,000 ($10,000 more than we thought possible). The net result was more than $50 million raised to fight cancer. Talk about impact!

I took a year off to recover from the ride in 2017 but I am back and more inspired than ever to be riding again for team THANKS in 2018. Every day someone new is diagnosed with cancer. Neighbors, family, friends, and our pedal partner Maddie Carlson are all still battling. I feel that in a world where love and compassion is increasingly needed, this is one thing that I can do to put positive energy, love, and money toward the places that truly need it.

So this August, I will once again get on my two-wheel cancer fighting machine, and I'll fight. I'll fight for our loved ones. For our community. And for the hope that when we put our minds and hearts together, we can truly make a difference.