For years, I watched my family, and friends dedicate themselves to the Pan-Mass Challenge. Two years ago, I finally gathered the courage to join them for the grueling 82-mile ride from Wellesley to Bourne, and it remains one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The spirit of the riders, volunteers, and Boston community is nothing short of inspiring.

This year, I’m honored to ride alongside my dad, uncle, and two close college friends as part of “Biker’s Dozen,” and I’m more determined than ever to help fund vital pediatric brain-cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. As many of you know, my big sister and best friend, Ellie, lost her battle with DIPG when she was just eleven and I was eight. Now at twenty-two, I’ll be riding my third of what I hope will be many PMCs, driven by her memory and the belief that we can make real progress toward better treatments, and one day a cure.

I miss Ellie every day. This ride isn’t just a challenge of miles; it’s an opportunity to feel her presence, to draw inspiration from her courage, and to honor her by fighting for other children and families facing the same terrifying diagnosis. With your support, we can drive forward the research that brings hope and healing. Thank you for helping us chase a cure.