Cancer touches everyone - family, friends, neighbors, colleagues. Just when I think 'my people' are on the otherside of treatment, there is a new diagnosis or someone returns to treatment. I'm grateful for the work of scientists and physicians at Dana-Farber and other institutions.

In February 2015, 1 week before her 46th birthday, my cousin Katie lost her 10 year war with cancer. Katie approached each new battle with extrodinary dignity and strength of spirit. During her cancer war, Katie raised 4 children, taught kindergarten and brought great joy to her family and friends. Katie's smile and delight in 'Ordinary Miracles' is missed by all those lucky enough to have known her.

I ride in memory of Katie.

Cancer first touched my life in 1981 when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She survived surgery, chemo and radiation and went on with her life, raising 5 children and working as a nurse. The cancer metastasized to her brain in 1984; this time treatment was radiation directly to her head. The tumor shrank and mom barely slowed, family and work being too important. In 1986, the tumor started growing again and surgery and more radiation to her head was the treatment at the time. Mom slowed some after that. She began to decline neurologically eventually unable to walk on her own. Mom lived 25 years after that original diagnosis until April 2006.
For many years, my Dad was both husband and care-giver to Mom. Even though Mom's mobility was limited, they traveled extensively through the US and Europe. In 1996, Dad was diagnosed with Merkle cell carcinoma. Despite the removal of the lesion and radiation the Merkle cell metastasized to his parotid gland so 1997 brought more surgery, chemo and radiation. Dad was cancer free for 11 years. In 2008, the Merkle cell carcinoma was back with a vengence. Through the fall of 2008 and winter of 2009 , Dad scheduled his active life around chemo and radiation. The chemo seemed to be successful, slowing the growth of the tumor associated with his adrenal gland. Early spring brought a specialized radiation and hopes of shrinking the tumor enough for surgery. Sadly, the radiation did not work and during that time, the cancer spread throughout Dad's body. Dad died in June of 2009.

I ride in memory of my parents.

15 years ago, my friend and colleague Amy's then 4 year old daughter Emily was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Emily has been through surgeries, chemo, 2 stem-cell transplants and antibody therapy to name just a few of her treatments. Emily is now 19 and will start her 2nd year of college in September! Emily is fierce!

I ride in honor of Emily

I ride in honor and memory of students (Nick, Chris, Jamie) I've had the pleasure to know and teach who lost their fight with cancer. The strength of these young men and their families continues to be an inspiration.