This year marks the 42nd Annual Pan-Mass Challenge and I am proud to say this is my 11th year joining the greatest cancer fighting team in the world!
In 2012, I joined Team Kinetic Karma - an amazing group of cyclists that all share the same passion in the fight against cancer. Our team each year participates in the Pedal Partner Program which supports a child undergoing or has undergone treatments at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
The past few years have been difficult for our PMC team! The loss of both Dan and Jeff are still fresh as ever. Interestingly enough, a connection during training rides is always made with the both of them. Dan was the core of our team and always put the PMC and his team ahead of anyththing else - he will be sorely missed. Jeff lost his battle to cancer a short eight weeks after his diagnosis. His quick wit and enormous personality will not go unnoticed.
In addition to our Pedal Partner and our former teammates, I ride in memory of my grandfather Bill who lost his battle to cancer in October of 2011 and in honor of my aunt Gayle and my grandfather Sal who are both actively undergoing cancer treatment.
If there is a particular person you would like me to ride in honor or memory of, please send their name along and I will be happy to bring them along my 193 mile, two day journey!
So this year when I am asked why do I ride? I ride for everyone that has been touched by cancer in some way. I ride for those battling cancer, I ride for the advancement in cancer research, I ride for hope. I thank you for your support!
