Ever since I was a little kid the PMC held a special place in my heart. When I was 7 all I knew was that my daddy was participating in a bike ride that helped people who were sick. I proudly held a sign at the finish line next to my three sisters and mom that read “Go Daddy Go!”. I then started volunteering at the Brewster water-stop where I got to talk to the riders and fill their water-bottles. I went to thank them for riding for such a great cause and they returned my words with “No, Thank you for volunteering”. As they turned away, my heart sank as I saw pictures of loved ones they have lost to cancer that were pinned to their jerseys. I thought to myself how could they possibly be thanking me when they’re the ones who are biking through 200 miles of physical pain and grief for people who are no longer with them. If anything, I’m just a person who is filling their water-bottles. That’s when I realized the battle to end cancer cannot be done alone. It doesn't just take one person, it takes a whole army to fight cancer and that is exactly the purpose of the PMC.

Now I’m standing here participating in my 3rd PMC with my mom, my older sister Leah and Rachel, twin sister Amanda, and last but not least my dad who is living proof and my biggest inspiration for this ride. He was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 17 and went through aggressive treatments of chemotherapy. Just at 17 when he should have been worried about who he was taking to prom rather than if he was going to make it to graduation. My dad's story is an inspiration to me and if you would like to read the whole thing here is a link to his profile (http://profile.pmc.org/TC0142).

Not everyone's story ends up like my dads which is why I am asking for your donations to support my ride on August 5th and 6th, 2023. I will also be riding for my two grandfathers. Poppy, who is the definition of relentless and has battled pancreatic cancer (now living without a pancreas). My other grandfather, Morfar, unfortunately passed away a few years ago also with pancreatic cancer. I’m sure each one of you knows someone who has been affected by cancer and has seen how unfair it is. This year I will be riding my second PMC ever with Team Lick and in order to do so I need to raise $6,000. My ride will be motivated by hope and with your help, we can get closer to ending cancer. Ride on Baby!