This year, I am riding the Virtual Pan-Mass Challenge 100 miles in 1 day through the beautiful and challenging terrain of Central North Carolina in honor of loved ones in my orbit across my family and friends, both personal and professional.

For my family:

Michael DuFault, who is currently battling multiple myeloma and has been for over 6 years.

I am also riding in memory of Harriet DuFault, Michael's mother and my great aunt whom our family lost to cancer. His sister and my cousin, Rebecca DuFault has been dedicated to to conquering cancer by overseeing Donor Relations and Campaigns at Dana Farber for over 13 years.

Miriam Mackler, my beloved grandmother, was treated at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and to this day still raves about the high level quality of care that she receieved.

My partner Lauren's family has also been touched by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in many ways.

For my friends:

Charity Ritscher passed away this past April after battling breast cancer that has spread to her lungs and bones. She has been a constant healing force in my life since I was 14 years old and she received treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

My college lacrosse coach, and fellow Durham, NC local, Kerstin Kimel, fought and overcame her stage 4 cancer diagnosis and has been cancer free for nearly 7 years!

For my Stryker Family:

I am riding in memory of Muradija Alibasic, Dan Rangel and Josh Herron. I'm also riding in honor of Mely Sehic.

Dan inspired everyone that he interacted with at Stryker and beyond. So many were moved by his story and touched by his legacy. Dan passed away in March of 2021 after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Muradija Alibasic was an inspiration to every person that she touched. The story of her life as well as her fight against breast cancer are incredibly inspiring. She is a person whom we were all proud to know.

Mely Sehic, AKA Little Boz, is one of the most inspiring young people I've ever come across! Her big brother Samir is a one of a kind friend, brother, son and teammate-- I've been so inspired by seeing Mely's story through his very unique and positive perspective.

Josh Herron was a dear friend to our region's own Ryan Badowski. I will be honoring his life during my PMC ride, and will be inspired (as so many others have been) by his passion to Win the Day each and every day. Josh was a passionate young man who served others in so many ways.

I'm riding for those we've lost, those who are battling today and all those in the future who we have the power and potential to help through our fundraising efforts.

I'm a proud supporter of the PMC because it remains one of the most powerful fundraising engines in existence. In fact, last year, 100% of rider-raised revenue went directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure.

Thank you for learning about why I ride... let's beat cancer!