I'll ride in the memory of Granny Schimert, Grandpa Caparulo, Grandma Caparulo, Momma Dukes Conklin and many others.

I'll ride for the continued health of my SUPERHERO cousin Ethan. Ethan's story is a truly miraculous one. One of family and perseverance. One that reminds us all to never give up hope. 12 years ago, at the age of 5, Ethan was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. He was given a 30% chance of living. He spent 6 months in a children's Hospital where he received countless rounds of chemo and radiation therapy, isolation, pneumonia and eventually a bone marrow transplant from his then 3 year old brother, which saved his life.

I will also to continue to ride for Rebecca Burgess and family, they have become ours. Rebecca, Bobby and family are true SUPERHEROS and I feel honored to ride on their behalf. Rebecca was diagnosed with her second round of cancer and is beating all odds. She, her husband Bobby, 2 little kiddos Jordynn and Cohen live in Alberta Canada and travel hundreds of miles for treatment in Tijuana Mexico, because the Canadian Healthcare system wouldn’t cover the treatment Becky needed. During their 3 week, 2 week, and now 10 day stay we are always on edge waiting for the next update on her progress as they stay in our little yellow house AKA Airbnb for treatment. The treatment is WORKING! 

This year I add to the list as to why I ride, Miss. Momma Dukes.  A dear friend of mine, Lani Nicole lost her mom to this horrible disease just a short time ago.  Cancer has taken many in this family and has become a numbing experience for  them all.       

I'll ride because although 200 miles in 2 days may be 'hard', it pales in comparison to what a 5 year old boy, a mother of 2 small children, and their families endured for countless months.

I'll ride for the Jimmy Fund Clinic and the Dana-Faber Cancer Institute who help make it possible for SUPERHEROES like Ethan and Becky to beat cancer and give comfort to those who do not.

Lastly, I'll ride for me. For the challenge and the experience of cycling cross-state with family, friends, and 6,200 strangers all fighting for the same cause.