I ride because I can. I ride because others can't.

I've been diagnosed with cancer three times in my life. Each time I was afraid, upset and sometimes hopeless. And each time what got me through was was my family, my friends, my medical professionals -- and my bike. Unlike cancer, bikes are simple. They have frames, wheels and pedals. You sit on them and push. The harder you push, the faster the bike goes, etc.. This simplicity is symbolic. It symbolizes that true happiness and fulfillment in life isn't what you take out of it, but what you put into it.

When I was told I needed three rounds of chemotherapy in the Fall of 2013, Page and I had just learned that she was pregnant, Nate was three, we had buried my mother less than a year earlier, and i had just started a new job. I was devastated. I knew that the treatment would be hard. I knew that it would hurt. I knew that it would make me sick. I knew others had it worse than me. I knew what I had to do - push.

I knew how to push through my grueling treatment partly from the thousands of miles I have logged on my bike over the years as the formula is always the same: pick a destination, work hard, come out a better person. Like a wind at my back, I also knew I had amazing family, friends, colleagues and a medical team to push me through. I try every day to express my gratitude to at least one of these people. For the doctors, nurses and researchers who helped save my life and that are dedicated to understanding, treating and eradicating cancer, I say thank you by riding the Pan Mass Challenge

My gratitude to the Dan Farber Cancer Institute isn't just for me, but for all the people they help. Young, old, rich, poor - they are a beacon for the sick. Please join me in generously contributing to the vital work of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute's, Genitourinary Cancer Treatment Center.

With my gratitude, love -- and hopefully strength in my legs...

Jonathan

My Links

Northampton Cycling Club

Northampton Bicycle

Dr. Christopher Sweeney

Shawmut Design and Construction