This weekend I'll be embarking on my 12th Pan Mass Challenge ride. 

I ride in honor of not just my father, the late GREAT State Rep Kevin W FitzGerald, who passed due to sarcoma cancer back in 2007, but for the many other families and children out there that have to deal with the hardship that endures from the moment they lose a loved one, especially a parent, and the years that follow.

Its been almost 18 years since my fathers passing and I can tell you that their isnt one day that goes by where I dont say to myself, I really wish I could ask Dad about this but instead have to deal with the frustration knowing I cannot. Its something I would like to stop from happening to another family in the future.

Because to be honest its not even the hard part of losing a parent so much as is it is the moments after.... the moments when you see your brother get married and he has to walk your mom down the aisle.... the moments when your siblings graduated from college and he couldn't be there for them like he was for yours.... the moments now where your children will never get to spend a second with one of your most favorite people in the world.... or even those moments... no matter how old you get... where you still just want to make him proud.

And look, I know he is, but the reality is, those moments aren't here, and those are the moments everyone deserves for as long as they can... the ones that make it all worth it. That is why I ride.

Every year now is extra special to me, because now I am a father to the 3 most beautiful children I have ever known (biased sure but also fact) and all I know is I want to hang with my 2 boys and my youngest little daughter for as long as humanly possible and watch them and guide them and just be there for them as they goes thru their own life journey. And lets just say given past family history with this disease (my Grandfather, Father), you could also call this a little self-preservation ride in order to keep a seat at the table longer. Nothing wrong with thinking ahead!!

Please help me contribute all I can to beat this brutal, beautiful-moment stealing disease. Any amount goes a long way. Thank you very much... and while I can't make him proud anymore, I promise, I'll make you proud.

*I'm a proud supporter of the PMC because it is leading a charge to beat cancer. Last year 100% of rider-raised revenue went directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure.*