On August 3rd and 4th, 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 6th 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 devoted to saving lives. In these perilous times surrounded by division, this event always restores my faith in humanity.

Now, I'll tell you why this is deeply personal to me. Just over 3 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 have experienced such an epic story of true love.

The wonderful teams at Dana Farber Cancer Institute were instrumental in Tracy's care through this 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.

Proud to be a part of team Flames and to ride for our 8 year old pedal partner, Zoey, who has been battling leukemia for the last 2 years. This picture, with Zoey in the center, is from a gathering this past week which I was unable to attend. It was a happy distraction from the draining hospital stays, needles and drugs in this bizarre alternate universe of cancer fighting to what should be a childhood filled with parties and playdates. We also see her enduring spirit, fight and hope for better days ahead.

I ride for the love of my life, in honor of her beautiful memory. I ride for dear friends and family who are still in the midst of their battle...Paige, Carol, Ari, Bob, Carol #2, Zoey and so many more. I ride.... because I am lucky enough to be able to. Cancer 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