My dad and I ride the PMC this year in memory of my grandfather, Daniel Balmuth, who passed away in March after a long battle with lymphoma. Grandpa was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2001 with a life expectancy of six years or less. Yet he fought on and lived for twelve years past the diagnosis, thanks to his courage, strong will to live, and the specialists at Dana-Farber who modified his treatment plans over the course of his illness.

Grandpa had an enduring passion for exercise that also contributed to his longevity. In fact, he rode his bike into his 80s until complications from the disease forced him to stop. His doctors credited great physical fitness for enabling his body to withstand over a decade of treacherous chemotherapy and radiation.

I can't think of a better way to honor my grandfather than to combine exercise with fighting cancer. To my dad and I, this grueling 163 mile ride from Wellesley, MA to Provincetown, MA symbolizes grandpa's perseverance. So I hope you can contribute to my ride to help me honor my grandfather, benefit an amazing caner-fighting organization, and strive toward a cure for cancer. Thank you for your support of this great cause.