I blew out my knee the day after signing up for this year's PMC. Riding is the best rehab and gives me the opportunity to raise money to help Dana-Farber doctors and scientists come up with treatments that will one day make cancer just another minor bump in the road.

I'm riding for all the friends and family I've lost to cancer, and for the friends and relatives still fighting. I'm riding for all the friends who are missing their moms, their spouses, their siblings - who *ought* to be here to celebrate each milestone and commiserate on each setback. And for everyone with a friend or relative who is dealing with the pain of illness, treatment and recovery right now.

The Pan-Mass Challenge is the nation's leading athletic fundraising event for charity, bringing us Closer by the Mile to a cure for cancer. Since 1980, PMC riders have collectively raised over $1 billion for life-saving cancer research, treatment, and patient care at Dana-Farber. Every single dollar I raise goes directly to Dana-Farber, ensuring your donation has an immediate, real impact. Please support my PMC fundraising and help me reach my goal.

I've ridden my bike over 250 miles in the last month, including some crazy hills on Mount Desert in Maine, a 75-loop that took me through every town in Metrowest, and two consecutive 50-milers in and around Boston and vicinity. My doctor and physical therapist are impressed, and agree I'm ready!

It's over 160 miles from Wellesley to Provincetown, and Russ says it's hilly and hard. But here's thing: just because it's going to be hard to do something, doesn't mean you shouldn't try. Every mile gets you closer to the goal.