Over the past 14 years, during the 1st weekend in August, along a few thousand riders and few thousand volunteers, I participate in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC).

The PMC is a two-day charity bike ride which starts in Western Massachusetts (Sturbridge) and ends at the tip of Cape Cod (Provincetown) covering 192 miles in total…with a lot of hills at the beginning in Western Mass : )

As I head into PMC weekend, I have been reflecting on why I keep coming back year-after-year…yes, the ride is beautiful, and it keep me in shape…but it is about the cause and the community.

The Cause:

• Sadly, we all know too many friends, family members who have struggled, are struggling and/or who have lost their battle with cancer. Those individuals are a reminder of how precious life is and how important it is to appreciate that and also do something, when possible to help - in any small way - to end this horrible disease. The PMC ride has raised $900 million for Dana-Farber cancer research since 1980!

The Community:

• The PMC is a truly amazing event. Over the 15 years, it has become more then an event, it has become part of who I am, a movement I am a part of. Leading up to and throughout the weekend, we see and hear thousands of inspiring stories of individuals who have fought and won, or fought and lost, their battle with cancer which creates a bound throughout the PMC community that is special.

Every dollar you contribute to the Pan Mass Challenge ride goes to cancer research. Your donations were specifically directed to fund pediatric brain tumor research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston -- through a program called Pediatric Low Grade Astrocytoma. The program helps discover new therapies that won't harm kids’ bodies as they fight brain cancer. Your generosity helps them have hope and expand research -- new treatments, through this program, are working!

So...I hope you will consider contributing to this worthwhile cause. Thank you in advance for your continued generosity.