The Pan-Mass Challenge has always been deeply important to my family. My dad, Gary Markoff, first started riding back in 1987. Since that time, as the PMC grew and the bonds made through it did as well, my dad continued to carry on the commitment that made the PMC so special. In July, 2022, just a week before what would have been my dad's 35th PMC ride, my dad tragically passed away; poetically, he was out on his bike, riding his favorite route around Lake Sunapee. My dad and I had always planned on doing one PMC together before I took on his legacy- now, I am being called upon sooner to carry on the tradition of riding and make strides in the fight against cancer.

The 2022 ride was supposed to be of additional honor as well. My mom, Cicely, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. Through the tremendous adversity she faced, my mom never wavered in her grace and strength. Just before he had passed, my mom had asked my dad if he would ride in her honor. Now, I hope to be able to honor both of my parents, both my dad's love and commitment to the PMC, and my mom's resiliency and strength as she fought back against cancer.