In September 2015 our mother, daughter, sister, wife, and dear friend, Kristen Cubbage, lost her long battle with soft tissue sarcoma. First diagnosed in 2004, she came to define courage, inspiration, and hope for all of us over the following 11 years as her ability to focus on what was really important and to have as normal of a life as possible with all the school activities, sports, clubs, and family vacations was beyond amazing. The grace and strength she demonstrated day in and day out left all of us speechless at times and is a key reason for participating in the Pan Mass - if she could go through what she had to face, the least we can do is a few miles on a bike in the hope of a future in which no one has to go through what Kristen and so many others have had to face.

This is our 13th year riding in the PMC. In addition to Kristen, two of our team - Margie Joppich and Terri Steinberg - have battled cancer as has Kristen's mom, Eileen. Like many riders, we all have family members and dear friends who have, and are continuing to, battle cancer. This disease impacts everyone and events like the PMC truly make a difference. The will and sense of purpose everyone - riders, survivors, volunteers, and spectators - has is amazing. It is a reminder to us that while cancer affects so many, nothing can hold us down if we don’t let it! Thank you for your support and your love.

Team #KristenStrong