This year, I am proud to ride as part of Team BrainStorms in the Pan-Mass Challenge - a cycling event that is not just about the miles, but about making a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer. The BrainStorms is a team created in honor of Declan Vail. Declan is nine years old with a pediatric glioma, a type of brain tumor. The tumor causes Declan to have seizures (over 1000 in his short life.)

Team BrainStorms is a passionate and dedicated group of riders united by a common goal: to raise funds and awareness for brain tumor research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Currently, Dana Farber is researching the FGFR1 mutation that is causing Declan's brain tumor. More research is needed to uncover what is driving this mutation, and to find non-invasive methods to stop it from feeding the cancer growth. A targeted medication would attack the specific tumor cells and have minimal side effects. There are many children with this same mutation. I'm asking if you could please donate to help raise money to assist in this research.

I ride not only as part of this incredible team, but also in memory of those we've lost to this relentless disease, especially my father, who courageously battled pancreatic cancer. I remember driving on his birthday and he called me which was weird because it was his birthday which meant I would call him and do my really bad rendition of singing happy birthday to him. When I picked up the call I knew right away it wasnt good, he shared he was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was May 7, 2003 and we lost him October 4, 2003 - just 5 months later. His strength and determination inspire me every day, and I am committed to honoring his legacy through this journey.

And there are more names etched into my heart—my friends Kristen, Liz, Roe, Elise, and Eilee, who fought valiantly against cancer but left us too soon. I think about how they endured setbacks, held onto hope, and bravely entered trial after trial, hoping for just one chance to hear the words: the treatment is working, the cancer is stable, remission. They never got to hear those words, but we can work to ensure others will.

The least I can do is pedal a bike for two days straight. Pain and exhaustion pale in comparison to what kids like Declan endure every single day.

Your donation could change lives. It fuels the work of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, supports groundbreaking research, funds innovative treatments, and brings hope where it’s needed most. Every single dollar makes a real difference. This journey is deeply personal for me, but I can’t do it alone. I need you. Together, with Team BrainStorms, we ride for Declan. We ride for hope. We ride for a cure. Please contribute and help me surpass my goal. Let’s make an impact that lasts forever.

With all my heart and gratitude, Lori.

**Since its founding in 1980, PMC riders like me have raised more than $1 billion for lifesaving cancer research, treatment and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, one of the country's top cancer care hospitals. My PMC is making a difference in the lives of patients at Dana-Farber and around the world. The funds I raise support the innovative work of doctors, nurses, and scientists in their search for cures for cancers and related diseases.

100 percent of every dollar I raise goes directly to Dana-Farber, meaning that your donation has a real impact! Please donate to my PMC fundraising and help me reach my fundraising goal.**