This past spring we all have had something taken from us. Whether it was a trip, your senior spring, a sports season, or any number of things, COVID-19 has flipped our world upside down. Last year I was writing a similar email to you all addressing how cancer could do this exact same thing. I wrote speaking of the people who I lost to cancer and those who I knew still fighting. This terrible disease has unfortunately had a large impact on my life.

This year one of the biggest things that COVID took from me was the ability to ride in the Pan-Mass Challenge and raise money to find a cure for cancer. The first weekend in August has become one of my most favorite of the entire year. I have supported the Pan-Mass by volunteering at the lunch spot as thousands of riders come through meeting their halfway or more than halfway point of the day’s ride. Then just last year I got to ride into that lunch spot. Pulling around the last corner on my bike hearing the music grow louder made me want to cry and smile all at the same time. There was this moment where I could actually feel my grandfather Bah with me as I peddled towards the music. It was the most unreal experience of my entire life. Watching ever rider and every volunteer, knowing that each one has a reason for being there, and knowing each one is dedicated to doing what they can to find a cure is completely amazing. There is nothing like it.

That is why this year regardless of the circumstances, I will still raise money and I will still ride my own version of the Pan-Mass challenge because cancer does not take a year off. I plan to ride in my “Reimagined” Pan-Mass on September 12th with a few members of Team Lungstrong traveling from my house up to NH and then back where a small group of my family and friends will meet me to celebrate. I hope that despite this year’s different circumstances, you will still consider donating to such an important cause.