On January 30, 2014 my sister Dana Parker lost her 4 year battle with a rare form of cancer called liposarcoma. Dana fought this disease with grace, courage, dignity and oftentimes humor. She never gave up, and our family never gave up on her. She received excellent treatment at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, and I will always remember the kindness, compassion and comfort she received from the doctors, nurses and staff there. I dedicate my ride again this year to my beautiful, selfless sister who fought this terrible disease with everything she had. I know that when I cross the finish line, Dana will be cheering me on louder than anyone. I will never forget the wonderful influence Dana had on everyone who knew her, and I honor her memory by supporting the Pan Mass Challenge and working diligently to find a cure and end cancer forever.

I am excited to be riding on Sunday as a member of Team Sarcoma Cycling Brigade, alongside my son, Zach, my brother, my niece, and other team members.  I am also excited to be volunteering on Saturday with my Brennan family, including my sons, Zach, Nate and Ben, who is finally getting his chance  to flip some burgers with our team.  Our team has been deeply touched by sarcoma (a rare form of cancer comprising just 1% of cancer diagnoses) -- from battling the disease or taking care of loved ones who are or who have lost their battle, to the highly talented DFCI research and clinical staff working tirelessly in the quest for a cure, while developing new treatment protocols and providing compassionate patient care. This year, all of my fundraising be directed to scarcoma research. Donations to our team will help the PMC and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute get closer by the mile to curing cancer.