In middle school, I was asked to do a project about my hero. While others in my class recognized presidents, astronauts, and scientists, I chose to do my project about my Aunt Carole. I grew up hearing about Carole’s job at the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. As a social worker, Carole defended abused and neglected children and helped them find a better future. To tween-age me, there was no nobler cause. Still today, when I think about the type of person that pursues this demanding and often thankless career, I could not be prouder to call Carole my aunt.

In the fall of 2018, Carole was diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer. For a little while, she was no longer able to continue her work as a hero for children across Massachusetts and was fighting a battle of her own. Thankfully, she had the help of the incredible faculty and staff at Dana-Farber. Today, we are blessed to say that Carole is cancer free. She is back to doing important work for some of the most vulnerable children in MA.

Last year, I rode the PMC for the first time, not certain what the next year would bring. This year, even though I wont be riding alongside my LUNGSTRONG teammates in person along the PMC route, I'm still hoping to raise as much as I can in Carole’s honor to support lung cancer research under the direction of Pasi Janne, MD, PhD, Director of the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology at Dana-Farber.

I am also privileged to ride in honor of my wonderful Papa who is a lung cancer survivor and living proof that progress is being made toward a brighter future for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer.

Thank you for your support!