The Pan-Mass Challenge has been something I've grown up hearing about, with my Father, Uncles, and Cousins participating many many years. Their smiling faces while telling stories about the Pan-Mass stood out in my memory and helped to inspire my decision to ride. This year I'm excited to participate in the 2-day route from Sturbridge to Provincetown which has been on my bucket list for some time. The PMC has grown so much since my Father began riding in the 80's. The event is much more organized and nowadays just meeting the fundraising minimum can feel more daunting than the ride itself. I know that for myself, the idea of riding my bike out to the cape is much more appealing than asking people to donate their hard earned money. The more I thought about it I came to realize that asking people to donate wasn't a selfish question on my part, but an invitaiton to be part of what has grown into the largest fundraising event in the county.

Our understanding and treatment of cancer has come so far in just a few generations. When my great-grandmother was diagnosed with brain cancer little could be done for her. Unfortunately this disease continues to impact the lives of my friends and family, but now we have a multitude of ways to fight back! In my education as a biomedical engineer, we saw first hand how new technologies are changing how we fight this disease. Survival rates are increasing across the board as a direct result. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has been at the forefront of these developements as well as providing life saving treatments to their patients. The Lab where I work supports research at Dana-Farber by servicing and calibrating their scientific equipment, and I'm excited with this opportunity to help them outside of work too. I can't think of a more worth while endevour than supporting this organization and everyone who is bravely fighting this disease.