This year will be my second time joining the old Lugten tradition of biking the PMC. Growing up, I remember going and watching my dad as he would complete the 2 day ride to PTown. I had always known I wanted to do it one day as well, but for awhile I settled for the PMC kids ride. In 2020 when he and Julie both faced cancer diagnoses, Julie began joining him. Last year Julie and I were hoping to have a girls squad but then she broke her ankle right before. Fortunately, I made the most incredible friends at the event and already cannot wait to see them again. This year, Julie will be avoiding rope swings and I will be joining Julie for all 186 miles as well as two nights of being roommates (which am I more nervous for?). We will then need to sleep for the 5 days between the ride and her wedding! Any and all support would be incredibly meaningful whether that is in the form of motivating playlists, carboloading recipes, reminder texts to get on my bike and train, and of course, donations.

All kidding aside, the impact the PMC has is enormous. It's donations like yours that have advanced the research of cancer treatment enough that I am lucky to be able to have two Living Proof riders in my family who are both doing great. The funds raised by the Pan Mass touch the lives of millions of people. This year I'm riding to help people to be able to be around for their family traditions that matter to them, whether 186 miles of biking is involved or not.