My father’s life was tragically cut short by renal cancer. With his passing, the world lost a brilliant hematologist/oncologist who had tirelessly dedicated his life to research, teaching and helping patients with cancer. I lost a father that I idolized. My five children lost a future role model that set a high bar for a life well lived -- to always put family first, to always give 100% in everything you do, to live honestly, and to savor every moment we have on this earth.

It has been 25 years since his passing, but not a day goes by that I do not think of him and wish he could be here with my family. Cancer continues to impact the lives of people, young and old, that I know and love all around me. I know firsthand from my father how important research funding is to help find a cure or extend lives for those who have cancer which is the reason I have decided to embark in a fundraising journey for this purpose this year through the PMC.

The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is a Massachusetts-based cycling event that raises funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world leader in pediatric cancer treatment and research. 100% of every rider-raised dollar goes to supporting lifesaving cancer research and treatment.

My inaugural PMC ride, 78 miles from Bourne to Provincetown, on August 4 will be a very emotional journey for me. It will take me through towns and a landscape on the outer Cape that my father loved and that I grew to love spending my boyhood days there with him and our family.

I’m riding the PMC in honor of my father and in support of families who are confronting a cancer diagnosis. I hope you will support my efforts to raise funds that are essential to help prevent and reduce the incidence of cancer, and to provide critical care to those who are battling cancer.

I am grateful for your support and generosity!