Last May (2018) I was studying for my final exams when I received a call from my mom informing me that my older sister Taylor had been hospitalized. The doctors originally feared that Taylor was having a blood clot. After an emergency cat scan we were informed that Taylor had a large mass in her chest next to her heart and that it was most likely cancer. My parents waited till I got out of my final exam to tell me the news. Prior to the diagnostic tests I knew there was a possibility that Taylor was sick with cancer and had a feeling that this was the case.

I have been passionate about the fight against cancer for as long as I can remember. My father Michael is a 12-year Pan Mass Challenge rider and after doing the Kids PMC for years, he got me involved with the PMC at 15. I began riding/ fundraising for the full 192 bike ride as soon as I was 15. I have heard countless stories, met many cancer patients and ridden thousands of miles in support of finding a cure. But having a big sister with late stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma was totally different. Ultimately it was a total shock, and was devastated coming to terms with what my older sister was about to experience.

I feel incredibly blessed to have a sister like Taylor. She is someone who I admire and look up too not solely as an older sister, but because she is a truly remarkable person. Her confidence, strong-willed and positive personality, and ability to preserver inspires me. She is the most mentally tough and driven person which has been displayed through her love for athletic challenges. Whether biking 192 miles and running half marathons without training; or trekking weeks through the alps and Patagonia, Taylor has never been afraid to take on a challenge.

The challenge of fighting late stage III Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was no different. I am in awe of the strength and positivity Taylor has displayed throughout the entire year she was sick; and I am honored to call her my sister, and best friend. I have ridden with Taylor in 4 PMC’s but this year I will be riding along side a cancer survivor.

Please support me and my efforts to raise money for such an important cause. This year on August 3-4 I will ride my 5th PMC to raise money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. The Dana Farber is one of the worlds leading cancer research and treatment facilities. This will be my 4th year biking with Team Kermit. Last year Team Kermit surpassed $4 million of funds raised since inception. Our donations have contributed to many research milestones including the advancement of genetic testing for brain tumors. We support research and treatment of pediatric brain tumors.