8 years. This year will be my 8th Pan Mass Challenge and this year is EXTRA special. For the first time, I'll be riding alongside my ENTIRE family. My dad, mom, and all three of my sisters. With this year being PMC's one in a billion year, why not make it memorable for all of us?!

I think back on my first PMC and how much time has flown. I also think back on how many people are fighting cancer for seven years, or more. And on another note, how some people are celebrating seven years cancer free. We need to raise money not only because it's a commitment, but because we want to. Because we want more people like the ones celebrating seven plus years cancer free. (Like my own dad!)

There is one part of this ride that always stands out to me. As we approach one of our last water stops, we see an enormous hill coming. Everyone moans because we honestly wonder how many more hills our bodies can take. But not long into that hill, through all the heavy breathing, it somehow becomes silent, every time. As we were climb this hill, I experience a shortness of breath. Not because of the climb, but because we pass sign after sign of a child who is battling cancer. It takes everything in me to not burst into tears, and these very reasons are the reasons why I do the Pan Mass Challenge.

Hero. A person who is admired or idiealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.

In my own words? Fearless, determined, selfless, inspring, strong; the list goes on. The battle with cancer is one that far too many people have to go through. No man, woman, or child asks for cancer. They dont choose that fight. But what they do choose is to be their own hero, because that strength to keep fighting, is the strength that makes them who they are. My dad? My dad is my hero. A 41 year cancer survivor, my daddy is the most fearless person I know. He unwillingly took on a feat so tough in a time when his greatest worry shouldve been who to ask to his senior prom. At such a young age, my dad developed qualities some people might live their whole lives without. Cancer gave him strength; mentally and physically, it gave him the strength to take on anything. It made him fearless, and although you may be fearful of the road ahead; you fight.

He is still fighting every day.

My dad, determined and selfless is fighting for others, along with thousands of other riders. I couldnt be more fortunate to ride by his side for the 8thtime on his 17th ride; along with my mom (her 14th ride) and my sisters (Jessica and Amanda's 3rd and Rachel's 1st!)

I also ride for my two grandfathers. My grandfather Poppy battled pancreatic cancer, he conquered it, and is now living without a pancreas. He is a survivor, yet still battling the disease every day. My other grandfather Morfar, also was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He unfortunetaly did not have the same happy ending to his battle as Poppy did. I thank God to have blessed me with these two amazing men in my life, but still mourn because cancer took one amazing life away too soon.

I am riding so other cancer patients too can call themselves a SURVIVOR. I am riding for the people still fighting their fight. Im riding for the grandparents who want to be there for all those special moments in life. Im riding for the moms and dads who want to be able to raise their kids and watch them grow old. Im riding for the children who simply just want to play, the children who want to be children again. Im riding for everyone who has battled cancer, still fighting that battle, and every loved one that has left our lives because of this terrible disease.

Everyone has lost someone to cancer, but even though cancer started this fight, it will be finished, and it will not be finished alone. The ride is tough, but its be worth every hill, every cramp, and every pedal. I will be riding with Team Lick Cancer, and as a team, we will ride because there is nothing more inspiring than the people we are riding for. Ride on Baby.