If you've made your way to my profile page, THANK YOU! The impact you make is enormous and supporters like you provide the necessary resources to help find a cure for and treat cancer. You also become the wind at my back, which helps me keep the fundraising momentum and provides the fuel to ride 85 miles on the first Saturday in August.

Every year in the U.S., there are more than 1.6 million people diagnosed with cancer. That number is over 17 million worldwide. Cancer does not discriminate and can touch any one of us directly or indirectly at any time.

Just recently, my husband and I learned that our friend Karen was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. To say it surprised her is an understatement and she’s now in a fight she didn’t ever want. This year, while I continue to ride for those I have in the past, I’m dedicating this ride to Karen. You can help me be the “wind at her back” as we raise important dollars for cancer treatment at Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

I’m also riding for:

• -My husband Matt: he went in for a routine skin check and learned of his melanoma two days later. A great eye and swift action on the part of his dermatologist allowed for the removal of the spot before it became a real problem.
• -Friend Michael: two years ago he was told he was in the early stages of prostate cancer, which was discovered during his annual physical exam. Today, he's in the clear.
• -High school classmate, Nicole: she battled colorectal cancer with radiation, chemo and surgeries, and she’s in remission!
• -High school classmate's son, Ryan: battling thyroid cancer as a high school student.
• -Friend and spin instructor Joe: he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late September 2017 and by early November he succumbed to his illness.
• -Acquaintance, Robyn: a wife and mother of three boys who was diagnosed with a form of gastric sarcoma and lost her battle in June 2018.
• -Friend Mike: he lost his battle with breast cancer - yes, men can get breast cancer - after a 6.5-year battle, leaving his beautiful wife and two sons.
• -Elementary school friend Jimmy: he was the first person I knew with a cancer diagnosis – we were in the 5th grade. Jimmy left us over 35 years ago, but he is not forgotten.
• -Extended Family Members: Two were diagnosed with forms of lung cancer. After surgery, one received the all-clear that the cancer was gone and the other continues to fight.
• -Friend Nancy: she battled breast cancer for years with grace and dignity, is now in remission.
• -Friend & former Colleague Audrey: she is battling a form of lymphoma and lives with daily pain.
• -Friend Marci: she battled breast cancer long before I knew her but I’m grateful to call her friend today.
• -Friend’s mom Lois: she lived with lung cancer for a number of years before complications took her too soon.
• -Team namesake Perry: he briefly battled a form of gastric cancer, leaving my friend Melissa decades ago, which is when she began to ride for him and the cause. While I never met Perry, we ride for him, all the individuals above and so many we will never know.

In 2022, I have committed to fundraise for those I love, those still fighting and those we have lost. I will be riding 85 miles in one day providing it’s safe to do so in the world of COVID.

I have signed up for the PMC and am committed to raising the required minimum but hope to raise $10,000 (or more) – 100% will benefit Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Thanks in advance for your support!

XO,

Kim

PS. Every year I carry a hanky with me on ride weekend with donor names, as well as names of your loved ones. If you would like me to honor your someone special, please let me know and I will be sure to place their name on my 2022 hanky.