I'd like to say I ride because I can, but honestly I have no idea if that is the truth. I simply know I must try.

It has been 8 years since my diagnosis of carcinoid lung cancer in the fall of 2011. From the moment I was diagnosed, kind, caring friends (Billie, Diane) placed me in the capable hands of a medical team who knew exactly what to do. I was lucky. I was told that if you're going to get lung cancer, carcinoid cancer is the one to get.

Although I had never been a smoker, I had developed a chronic cough, my voice was hoarse, I was dizzy all the time, and I was constantly exhausted. When I was hospitalized with pneumonia, a dime-sized tumor was discovered in the bronchus of my right lung.

The team of doctors at B&W/Dana-Farber were able to take care of my cancer surgically. I required a lobectomy to remove the middle lobe of my right lung. I did not need chemotherapy or radiation. As I say, I was lucky.

Since my recovery, I have always longed to be a part of the LUNGSTRONG/Pan Mass team of riders, but life kept getting in the way. Elderly parents required lots of tending to, weddings needed to be planned, first and second grade students continued to need me to teach and care for them.

This past January, my mother died - after a long, grueling battle with a host of medical issues: Parkinson's, MRSA, metastatic breast cancer.

Simultaneously, my mother-in-law lost her dreadful battle with dementia. My husband and I both lost our moms within 10 hours of one another - mine in Vermont, his in Amesbury.

As I drove back down from Vermont the day after my mother passed, I knew what I needed to do. Within days, I committed to riding this year's Pan Mass Challenge. The path was finally cleared for me.

I began training on the first day of spring - because I need more training than anyone I know. I am not a cyclist - I just happen to own a hybrid bike and enjoy an occasional spin.

In fact, after my first training ride I thought, Dear God, what have I done?? I am never going to be able to do this thing! I was truly a pathetic sight to behold. I actually contemplated getting a motorized bicycle but quickly realized that would be severely frowned upon. Now what to do??

Since that first day, I have slowly begun to strengthen and improve. My daughter's mother-in-law bequeathed me her awesome, lightweight road bike. After many training rides, I am beginning to feel hopeful that I might actually finish Day 1. However, Day 2 still scares the heck out of me! If I peddled 160 miles north of Amesbury, I could get to my hometown in Vermont - what? - that's crazy!!

Recently, in the midst of my fretting, I received word that a dear friend had been dealt some life altering news. Our creative, intelligent friend was told she has stage 4 ovarian cancer. Once again, I was reminded why the Pan Mass exists. After lots of swearing and praying, I realize it all boils down to this - we need to keep fighting this damn disease called cancer and the only way we are going to do that is through continued research - and that takes money.

So I will peddle for as long as my old, unworthy body will let me. I will ride in honor of cherished friends who have fought and lived to tell their tales and others who fight now for that privilege. I will ride in memory of dear friends and family members who lost their battles. I will ride with the memory of my mother and father close to my heart.

One thing I am certain of is that an incredible team of riders will surround me. Members who are the best of the best - their spirit, drive and determination will help carry me through.

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

This is my season and I am going to give it my very best shot. Please remember that every single dime raised goes directly to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In fact, dimes are encouraged. :) I thank you in advance for considering a donation towards my ride. All donations, regardless of size, will matter and will be deeply appreciated.

Thank you - Liz xo