This August, my father and I will be riding our first Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC). The PMC is a 2-day, 180+ mile bike ride across Massachusetts that raises funds for life-saving research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

October 2024 was an extremely stressful time for me and my family. Between juggling a new fast-paced job, I was also driving out to Western Mass multiple times a week to help take care of my grandmother, who was recently diagnosed with cancer and at the same time, recovering from a broken leg. We were lucky enough for her to receive treatment at Dana-Farber and she is now, at the ripe age of 89, on the journey to being cancer-free (again).

Those that know me well know that I only wear one bracelet, a Dana-Farber donation bracelet that my aunt gave me over 10 years ago when she was first diagnosed with cancer. My aunt was a strong compassionate woman who would help anyone in need. Qualities she received from my grandfather, who lost his battle almost 32 years ago now. Cycling hours on end in the stubborn hills of Harvard, MA has left us with lots of time to think about the friends and family members that were taken from us far too soon, and what life would be like were they still here.

So, this ride is for the loved ones we’ve lost – Taunte, Auntie Cherie, Grandpa. It’s for those still fighting or who have triumphed – Grandma, Oma, Maxine, Danny, Catalina, Nona, Roger. And it’s for the people we haven’t met yet, who will one day need hope, care, and the promise of a cure. With every mile we ride in honor, in memory and with purpose, and I hope I can count on your support!

The PMC raises more money for charity than any other single event in the country – more than $1 billion since 1980 and a record of $75 million in 2024 alone! This success is the result of a lot of people riding and caring about a cure. And because every dollar matters, 100% of your donation goes directly to Dana-Farber.

This year we are riding with Team Crank, where we have a very generous donor, the Warren Alpert Foundation, matching up to $750 thousand! That means our mighty little team has the ability to raise over $1.5 million for cancer research. My father and I have both made a commitment to raise over $6,000 each. And we would greatly appreciate the extra step to split donations, or even better, to double the donation ??.

Every donation brings us closer by the mile.