Hello. Please take a moment to read my story. My reasons for taking on the PMC this year and for years to come.

My mother died of breast cancer on 01/14/2016. She was an amazing woman! Kind hearted, loving, and hard working. She did everything she could fathom to keep the family safe, supported, and happy. I remember the night she passed away. My son and I Facetimed her that night, while he was taking a bath. She looked so tired, but smiled and put on a facad that all is ok. I could see how happy she was to speak to us. Thirty minutes after we hung up, my father called me to bare the bad news. She died, with my father and grandmother by her side. Oh, how I wish I took a screenshot of her that night to capture our last meaningful moment. I remember that time very well. I miss her so much!

My father died of lung cancer on 10/02/2018. He was an awesome father! Hard working, patient, and persevering. He provided all he could for the family. We got everything we needed, even if that meant sacrificing his own needs. He taught me how to be a man. How to treat others as you would like to be treated. To take care of responsibilities, and be grateful for everything we had. I remember the last time I saw my father in hospice. So frail. Looked nothing like he did not too long ago. As I was saying my goodbyes and told him how much I loved him, he looked at me and quietly whispered, Thank you. His last words to me weren't for what I said, but for the life we lived together. For being the person I was brought up to be. I could never thank him enough for all he had done. I remember that time very well. I miss him so much!

I can list many more instances, where cancer has negitively touched my life. Family ... friends ... coworkers ... military. Death ... living with ... fighting ... remission.

This is something, unfortunately, we all have in common. A link to this horrible and life altering disease.

But what could I do? What impact can I ... can WE make to erradicate this disgusting disease once and for all?

This is my third Pan-Mass Challenge ride. I pledge to raise as much money as I possibly can for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Defeating cancer is our sole mission. I want us all to be a part of this!

I'm a proud supporter of the PMC because it is leading a charge to beat cancer. In fact, last year 100% of rider-raised revenue went directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure.

Thank you for listening. For hearing my story. My reasons for riding.

CLOSER BY THE MILE!

I love you all!