This year is my 26th PMC. The challenge for me this year was a training injury 2 weeks before the event. It was disheartening to have to make the decision to pull out of the ride, however I gained another perspective from the experience. My niece Liza and her husband Dave live on the PMC route from Sturbridge. Every year they display 35 PMC jerseys from prior years' rides. It is a massive display that certainly catches the eyes of the riders. I was fortunate enough to be able to venture to N Attleboro with my daughter Meaghan and my grandchildren Jason, Richard, Addie and Anthony to cheer on the riders as they approached the last leg before lunch on Saturday. To see the riders faces light up and hear the comments about the awesome display showed me just how much the riders appreciate the people who take the time to cheer and lift their spirits.

That is why I ride.

I drove to Sandwich at 4 am on Sunday to catch the riders as they left Tupper Road at Route 6A. I noticed another woman cheering at the same spot on the opposite side of the road. Eventually I made it over and learned that for the past 19 years she has flipped hambrugers at Mass Maritime for the riders. She was on her feet all day on Saturday but still had the energy to get up at 5am to root for the riders as they began the last leg of their journey.

That is why I ride.

Fortunately, I have been able to ride all of these years in all kinds of weather with the support of all of you who read my story and contribute to this great cause.

That is why I ride.

My family and friends have been supporting my passion to ride for the past 31 years They have had trivia nights, picnics, parties, cake walks and gift baskets to raise money for the PMC.

That is why I ride.

Over the years I have had people in my life who have fought the battle against cancer. Some have been victorius and others have sadly been defeated after fighting valiantly.

That is why I ride.

For all of my friends and family whose lives have been shattered by this disease.

That is why I ride.

Each year I dedicate my ride to an individual who is fighting cancer and this year that person is Daniel Darcy.

That is why I ride.

Through my numerous rides in the PMC (26), I know that we are making a difference in the lives of patients at Dana-Farber and around the world. The funds we raise support the innovative work of doctors, nurses, and scientists. Dana-Farber is one of the top three cancer institutions in the world, and over the last 10 years, has helped develop nearly one in four FDA-approved cancer drugs in the US. This year we will reach one billion dollars.

That is why I ride.

I ask you to dig deep in your hearts and pockets to support our effort. Remember, 100 percent of rider raised money will go directly to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.