This August, I'll be riding in my first Pan-Mass Challenge - a moment that feels both deeply personal and like a natural progression of my lifelong connection to this cause. From creating art projects for fundraising as a child, to building websites with friends that contributed to the Jimmy Fund, to participating in PMC kids rides that my mom organized - the spirit of the PMC has always been present in my life.

Year after year, I've watched my dad ride with unwavering dedication, and his message has always been clear: while the ride itself is meaningful, the true purpose lies in the impact of every dollar raised. The pride he takes in the money that he and the Biker's Dozen team have contributed to cancer research has been truly inspiring.

This year feels especially meaningful as I join the PMC community as a rider. I'll be sharing this experience with my new husband, Griffin, as we both tackle our first PMC together (this feels like a metaphor to this next life chapter!).

What makes it even more special is riding alongside my siblings Brett, Lexi, and Michael Gershkowitz, and close friends Steven Edwards and Liv Sloane - all of us (except for Lexi) are first-time riders carrying on this important tradition.

I ride in memory of those we've lost far too soon to cancer: my Papa Saul, Bubbe Irma, Grandpa Jason, Auntie Sheila, Cousin David, and Cousin Danny. I ride for those currently fighting their battles against cancer, and for those who have fought and survived. Most importantly, I ride for a future where cancer takes less from us all - where research funded by events like the PMC leads to more cures and better treatments.

This August, as I bike the 80+ miles from Wellesley to Bourne, I'll be carrying forward a family legacy of commitment to this cause, joining the remarkable Biker's Dozen team that has contributed so much. I couldn't be more proud to finally be part of this incredible mission.

Thank you for supporting my first PMC ride.

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The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is a bike-a-thon that raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the country - to bring us Closer by the Mile to a cure for cancer.

Since 1980, PMC riders like me have raised more than $1 billion for lifesaving cancer research, treatment and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, one of the country's top cancer care hospitals.

The funds I raise support the innovative work of doctors, nurses, and scientists in their search for cures for cancers and related diseases.

100 percent of every dollar I raise goes directly to Dana-Farber, meaning that your donation has a real impact! Please donate to my PMC fundraising and help me reach my fundraising goal.