Growing up my family was tiny making for small gatherings. When Christine and I started going out in college I was invited to attend her large family holiday gatherings at her Aunt Barbara's. I was certainly nervous - meeting a whole new family is scary. Aunt Barbara welcomed me with open arms making me feel welcome and part of the family.

As our family grew, Aunt Barbara always wanted to know how the kids were and at every event she would find time with Emily, Rachel and Thomas. Time at the Newcomb's was filled with the joy and love that Barbara created for us all. This meant catching up with family members and wonderful food. Barbara loved music - something that she shared with us that led to amazing concerts where the kids would bring instruments and play for the family. The smile this brought to Barbara was wonderful.

We lost Aunt Barbara this year to cancer. She left an indelible mark on us all, with memories of family gathered together catching around amazing meals and joyful music. This year I will carry her memory of time with family and the love of times shared.

I also dedicate this year's ride to my aunt - Jeanie Zemsky, who passed this year from a battle with cancer. Jeanie dedicated her life to helping others as a nurse in women's and maternal-health care while also being deeply involved in the arts. Her daugther Jessica and grandson Oscar were the center of her world. I recall the stories and images she shared of family - always with smiles and love. A piece from cousin Eddie Federman's rememberance - “In a family that disagrees on nearly every imaginable topic, one thing everyone always agreed on is that you were the sweetest one in the family. No matter what was going on with you, you were always deeply interested in what was going on with us — and if there was some bump in our lives, how you might help."

This year I also ride in honor of my friend Tina, also a PMC rider, who has been crushing her battles with cancer. Tina - your courage and strength are inspiring and I wish you continued healing and happiness.

For the ride my Mom & Dad, Father-in-Law Ray and my grandfather Walter are always carried with with me as are my family and friends lost as are those who have won their battles with cancer.

I'll ride with Team PTC, a group of my PTC colleagues and friends that join together to cycle, volunteer, and raise money for the PMC in memory of beloved colleagues who lost their battles to cancer at very young ages, leaving behind their families and a lasting legacy to give back to the community. This is PTC’s 25th year fielding a team for the PMC.

The Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) is the largest single fundraising event for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund, contributing 100% of all funds raised to DFCI through its Jimmy Fund.