I am thrilled to participate in my third Pan Mass Challenge with Team Slalom Boston, and as a second-time Living Proof participant, a community of volunteers and riders who have survived cancer or are undergoing cancer treatment.

I joined Team Slalom for the first time in 2022 to challenge myself and find a new outlet for fitness and my love of cycling. I signed up again last year with the same intentions, but everything changed a week later when I was diagnosed with stage 1A1 cervical cancer at 27. Terrified of the unknown, I immediately sought care from Dr. Garrett at Beth Israel and Dr. Muto at Dana Farber. After tumor board reviews, various surgeries, and recovery time, I was unsure if I could ride 50 miles in August for the PMC.

Once I was feeling better, I was honored to participate in the PMC Living Proof parade at Fenway Park, which was both inspiring and emotional given my recent journey. Being surrounded by fellow Living Proof riders gave me the determination to push through. With just four weeks of training, I successfully rode 50 miles from Wellesley to Gillette and back for the 2023 Pan Mass Challenge and exceeded my fundraising goals.

By sharing my story, I hope to raise awareness that cancer can affect anyone at any age, even if you are up to date on your preventative care, as I was. Never miss your routine screenings! Thankfully, this was caught early, and through routine checkups, I am grateful to remain in remission and healthy.

I continue to have incredible support from my family, friends, colleagues, and team of doctors. I am fortunate to live in a city renowned for world-class healthcare, allowing me to stay active and continue cycling for such an amazing cause. I will once again participate in the PMC by riding 50 miles from Wellesley to Gillette and back, with 100% of every rider-raised dollar going directly to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The funds raised through the Pan Mass Challenge are crucial for advancing cancer research and treatment at Dana Farber, directly impacting countless lives, including mine.

Any donation, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated and would mean so much. Thank you for your support!