On Saturday, August 3rd and Sunday, August 4th, I will be riding in my 3rd Pan Mass Challenge. I will be taking on the two-day ride again this year, cycling 165 miles from Wellesley to Provincetown. I will be joined by the rest of Team Berkshire, and both my dad for his 19th Pan Mass Challenge, and my sister Maggie, for her fifth!

By now many of you know that the PMC raises money for Dana Farber Cancer Institute to help fund groundbreaking cancer research. Last year, the PMC's riders raised an incredible $69 Million. The PMC is Dana Farber's single largest contributor, raising over $900 Million for cancer research since its start in 1980. Importantly, 100% of every dollar raised by riders goes directly to fund cancer research. And every dollar I raise will be matched by the partners at Berkshire Partners.

I will be riding again in honor of my grandfather, PopPop, who lost his own battle with Stage 4 Micropapillary Bladder Cancer nearly 5 and a half years ago. As I ride I will be thinking of the immense strength and courage that he showed through his treatment at Dana Farber. I will also be riding for his Doctor, Dr. Choueiri, his nurses and everyone at Dana Farber who gave us the 6 months together following his diagnosis. When I think about my favorite memories of my time with PopPop, I often smile and remember all the times he helped drive me to hockey practice and games and then stayed for dinner after driving me home. As I graduated this year, I know he would have been proud to see me and all my accomplishments throughout highschool. I missed having him there in person, but know he was a part of it. Our family is grateful to everyone who was able to give us time with him even while going through treatment. I am honored to support the work and research Dana Farber is pursuing in the fight against Genitourinary cancers.

Unfortunately, I know our family is not the only one with this type of story. Sadly, cancer has touched everyone in some form and many of my friends have had people they love diagnosed with this awful disease. This year I watched a good friend of mine lose his father to colon cancer. No kid or family should have to go through that pain and heartache. As I ride this year, I will be thinking of him especially, his father (who was awesome) and his family and the many other stories just like his. With your donation and support, you can help to end this and find a cure. When the PMC first began, there were around 5 million cancer survivors. Driven by Dana Farber and the PMC, today the number of living proof is greater than 17 million.

I hope you will help me continue to support Dana Farber's mission to continue to grow this critical number! If you would like to donate, please follow the links below. Also if you have already given to my sister, we split all the donations so thank you please know you don’t have to give again to me!