On August 2nd and 3rd, I will be riding my bike ~190 miles to raise money for critical cancer research and therapies. Joined by thousands of other riders and volunteers, the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) is the single largest athletic fundraising event in the US, with 100% of funds raised going directly to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), the tip of the spear in the enduring battle against cancer. This will be my 7th time riding the PMC over the years and it's impossible to convey how it feels to be a part of an army of incredible people (volunteers, riders and generous donors like you!) devoted to saving lives. In these chaotic and uncertain times surrounded by division, this event always restores my faith in humanity as a far more unifying force.

Now, I'll tell you why this is deeply personal to me. Just over 4 years ago in March, 2021, the world lost one of the most beautiful souls ever to grace this planet and I lost the love of my life. Tracy Jane Hawkins fought her recurrant cancer with the heart of a lion for over 8 years and through ~14 lines of treatment, living far longer than prior statistics would have deemed possible. Tracy lost her fight with dignity and peace, knowing she gave it absolutely every ounce of strength and courage she could muster. She was light and kindness, laugher and love and I will be forever grateful to the 9 beautiful years we shared together.

The wonderful teams at Dana Farber Cancer Institute were instrumental in Tracy's care through that difficult journey, offering solutions that certainly bought more precious time than statistics could ever predict. Not only does DFCI do groundbreaking research in concert with other world leading institutions, but their diligent patient care translates to real life-altering results today for patients and their families. So much progress has been made in recent years to understand the various strains of cancer and how to combat them, but now is not the time to take the foot off the gas pedal. With cuts to foundational NIH research, the anticipated impact to DFCI is ~$50M a year....at a time when cancer is getting smarter and more pervasive.

Proud to be a part of a new team this year, Forza-G, in its 20th year. Still connected and grateful for my time with the incredible Flames team but drawn to Forza-G for a variety of reasons, including unexpected new love. Already immersed in this very welcoming team, we will be riding for our 5 year old Pedal Partner, Leo, who is battling a form of Leukemia....and with his dedicated father. Childhood cancer is one of those things that makes me question faith...the cruelty of this fight seems so unjust, which is why they need ALL of our help to support their courageous battles.

I ride for the love of my life, in honor of her beautiful memory, and for those who have lost their battles with cancer over the last year, including my stepfather, Bob Tupper, and dear friend Ari Psaris. I ride for dear friends and family who are still in the midst of their battle...Paige, Carol and Carol, Tracy at my gym, Leo and so many more. I ride.... because I am lucky enough to be able to. Cancer doesn't see red or blue, rich or poor...it does not discriminate and no one is immune. There are so many important and worthy causes, but my hope is that kicking cancer in the ass is high on your list!

This is why we ride! Cancer won't quit and neither should we. Please join me in this battle with a donation.

Kristine