I am thrilled to be riding the Pan-Mass Challenge for the second time this August. I rode the PMC for the first time in 2019, which was a profoundly moving and physically exhilarating experience. I am delighted to be participating in this incredible fundraising effort again, where 100% of rider-raised revenue directly supports the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's efforts to cure cancer. In 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the PMC raised $50 million to support the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. The PMC has raised over $767 million since its inception in 1980.

This year, I am riding the PMC in honor of my mom, Elisabeth Jaffe, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in April 2020. My mom is one of the loveliest people I know; her generosity, creativity, and thoughtfulness improve the lives of everyone around her. This past year, under the guidance of her cancer team, which includes a doctor from Dana-Farber, she's weathered several rounds of radiation, chemo, and a stem cell transplant. She's faced these challenges—in a pandemic year no less—with strength, grace, grit, and humor: a true inspiration. Her diagnosis brought cancer into my life in a deeply personal, unexpected, and unpleasant way, and has made me that much more grateful for the life-saving medical research driving her treatment.

As in 2019, I am also participating in the PMC in memory of and in honor of my maternal grandparents, Mary Jane Adair and Frederick Adair. My grandmother Mary Jane passed away in October 2018 after a fight with pancreatic cancer. She was a devoted and involved grandmother who took great interest in my life, supporting me at recitals, soccer games, and graduations throughout my life. She was also a breast cancer and ovarian cancer survivor. My grandfather Fred, who is 91 years old, is living life to the fullest despite the pandemic and living with prostate cancer: writing letters, attending Zoom church, playing virtual bridge with his grandchildren, and charming and delighting everyone he meets.

I am a longtime cyclist, and I have loved exploring the Boston area by bicycle. In particular, during the challenges of the last year, cycling has been a way for me to destress, socialize, and get exercise in a safe way. I am grateful that the PMC allows me to channel my fear and uncertainty around my mom's health into an activity that I love.

Cancer is a cruel and indiscriminate disease that has touched many people in my life and extended circles. Alongside the PMC's incredible community of athletes and volunteers, I am honored to have the chance to support an organization that has made a difference for my family, and for countless others. If you are able, I would sincerely appreciate your support of my ride, to help Dana-Farber continue to develop life-saving cancer therapies and deliver thoughtful medical care.

You can donate to my ride at: https://profile.pmc.org/CJ0086