In August, I will participate in a 162-mile bike ride to raise funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I will ride for my family, friends, and each person who, in one way or another, has been affected by cancer.

When my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer, it paralyzed my whole family—nobody in my family had faced a cancer diagnosis before. My mother was my grandmother’s backbone at every stage, always there in every appointment and treatment. Later, in 2023, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Without notice or warning, a fear I did not know I had became my greatest fear, and it was my turn to support my mother. The feeling of helplessness and uncertainty when your mother, the person you have loved the most for the longest, is diagnosed with cancer can put your life on hold. However, it is nothing compared to battling cancer itself. Both my grandmother and mother fought an arduous battle, and today, they are cancer-free.

What makes the PMC special is that every cent is donated to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a leading cancer-focused center that researches cancer treatments and transforms the lives of patients every day. Whether you know somebody who is fighting a cancer battle, lost a loved one because of cancer, or have any other reason to support me in this venture, I will ride for you.