This summer, I'm riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge - 85 miles from Wellesley to Bourne as part of Team Biker's Dozen - to help fund cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

I'm riding in honor of Ellie Kavalieros, the older sister of my best friend from the University of Pittsburgh, Mila. Ellie lost her battle with DIPG, an aggresive brain tumor with a near-100% mortality rate. I never met Ellie, but through Mila I have felt connected to her story.

Over the years, I have seen how deeply Ellie's story continues to shape the people who loved her. Hearing Mila talk about her sister, and watching her ride with her family, is what inspired me to join the Pan-Mass Challenge this year.

I may not know what it's like to lose a sibling, but I know what it means to love someone who carries that loss every day. This ride is my way of standing beside Mila, carrying Ellie's memory forward, and helping raise the critical funds needed for research that could change the future for other families.

100% of every dollar I raise goes directly to funding research, treatment, and hope. If you know someone else who might be interested in supporting this cause, I'd really appreciate you sharing this along. Thank you for your support and helping me ride for something that matters.