The months since I completed the 2024 PMC has been some of the most difficult for my brother since the start of his ordeal. I'm riding again this year in solidarity as he faces new and different obstacles. I continue to be impressed and inspired by his courage and his desire to press on. Training for and doing this ride is way for me to keep him and his struggle top of mind in a productive way.

I've watched my brother deal face his plight with dignity and no self-pity during a period in American life where whining and minor greivance have become popularized to an embarassing degree. While I'd don't wish his experience on anyone, I assume those who trade in petty greievance have never watched a loved one lose parts of themself in slow motion.

Recently, I've been heartened to see the overwhelming kindness and commitment shown my brother by the doctors and hospital staff who have cared for him. Fortunately, it seems like nobody told the healthcare workers who are offering compassion and care to cancer patients that they are supposed to be mad and miserable. I suspect that message won't reach the researchers at Dana Farber either. I wish more than anything that I had a different window into the world's goodness, but as long as we're in this situation, I'm glad he's surrounded by love and I'm thrilled to do a small part to contribute to a world in which fewer families have to face this struggle.