Hi everyone! On August 3rd, I am very excited to join the PMC ride for the second time to raise funds to fight cancer. Like many of you, I have close family and friends who have fought and continue to fight against cancer. Twelve years ago, it took the life of my beloved father-in-law after a brave battle with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma for five years. It came back to haunt our family in 2016, when my cousin, who is like a little sister to me, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Then just last year, my dear father was diagnosed at Dana Farber with a rare form of cancer (sarcoma).

While all three stories paint a different picture in its diagnosis, they all share two important things in common.

First, each challenge was met with tremendous and inspiring courage. Cancer did not define them. After he was diagnosed, my father-in-law continued to travel the world, walked his youngest daughter (my wife) down the aisle and held our first baby (his fifth grandchild) in his arms. My cousin has been cancer-free for over two years now, following surgery and treatment. She and her husband welcomed their second child into the world just last year and are expecting Baby #3 this December! My dad, only recently diagnosed, celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with my mom and our family even as he relentlessly went through surgery, radiotherapy and several rounds of chemotherapy. My unwavering admiration for my dad has reached an even higher level -- if that's even possible.

The second thing these stories have in common is that advances in science and research have allowed them to continue their fight and to live life to the fullest. Dana Farber is at the core of these advancements and had a direct impact in my dad's diagnosis and initial treatment. Even after my dad returned to Uruguay, Dana Farber has remain involved and is always ready to engage, collaborate and support my dad and his doctors back home.

I am joining the PMC community to raise proceeds that fund research and I am fueled by the resilience and courage that I have witnessed first-hand. For me, the 80-mile PMC bike ride is an important reminder that the fight against cancer is not a sprint. Every year, 100% of proceeds raised for PMC go directly toward cancer research, supporting the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure. Together, we are closer by the mile!

Please help me achieve my fundraising goal. Every dollar counts!

Thank you for your support!

Federico (Fede)