Thank you for taking the time to visit my page and learn more about why I'm riding the Pan-Mass Challenge.

I'm a proud supporter of the PMC because it is leading a charge to beat cancer. 100 percent of all rider-raised funds go directly to cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund. The PMC is Dana-Farber’s single largest supporter and is 66 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue. Since 1980, the PMC has raised $1.047 billion for Dana-Farber.

I will put in the hours of training needed to complete the 1 day ride from Wellesley to Bourne, but I need your help to achieve my more important goal of fundraising for this important cause. Over the course of training and during the ride, two people will be on my mind, my mother Mary and her father Everett. Both were taken away from us by cancer at the age of 49.

In October of 1998 my mother, Mary passed away from lymphoma cancer. At first, she was mis-diagnosed with bronchitis. By the time she was correctly diagnosed, it was too late for any type of treatment for her. While many of you never met my mom, she was a caring and loving woman that passed away too early in life. With your help we can try to increase awareness and raise money to help others in need.

My grandfather, Everett passed away in February 1969 before I was born from a brain tumor. I've heard many stories of the great man he was from fighting in WWII, being a well-respected dairy farmer, to being an amazing father and husband. It is my hope that more grandchildren will be able to know their grandparents instead of only hearing stories of them.

This will be my 7th PMC. During the Pan-Mass Challenge I will be part of Team Valiant Warriors. This is the 4th year of the team and our goal is to raise over $25,000.

I’m improving the quality of my life by participating and with your support, I can help improve the quality of life for patients and their families as well.