I'm a proud participant in the 2025 Pan-Mass Challenge—a two-day, 162-mile bike-a-thon that raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the country—to bring us Closer by the Mile to a cure for cancer.

This year, my ride is deeply personal.

I’m riding for Blake, the 5-year-old daughter of one of my closest friends, Louie. Last year, Blake was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive pediatric cancer. Her strength and spirit through treatment have been nothing short of inspiring—and so has the resilience of her family: her parents Lou & Dana, and siblings London, LJ, and Reese.

Louie and I have been friends since college. Though we live far apart—he’s in Massachusetts and I’m in Chicago—we’ve remained incredibly close. Our families have grown together, taken trips together, and stayed deeply connected over the years. He has four kids, I have three, and they’re all around the same age. It’s been a joy watching them grow up together, even across the miles.

To honor Blake and support all kids fighting cancer, I’ve joined Team Brave Like Blake, and together we’re aiming to raise $100,000. My personal goal is $6,000, and I’m committed to making every mile and every dollar count.

Since its founding in 1980, PMC riders like me have raised more than $1 billion for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, one of the country's top cancer care hospitals. The funds I raise support the groundbreaking work of Dana-Farber’s doctors, nurses, and scientists as they search for cures for cancers and related diseases.

100% of every dollar I raise goes directly to Dana-Farber. Your support has a real and immediate impact.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I’ll be sharing updates throughout the spring and summer as I train and fundraise—and I hope you’ll follow along and cheer us on.

Together, we ride for Blake. We ride for a cure.

With gratitude,
Matt