Why I’m Riding the Pan-Mass Challenge and Raising Money for Dana-Farber Cancer Research

Cancer is a word that has shaped my life in ways I never anticipated. It’s a disease that has brought both heartbreak and resilience to my family, and it’s the reason I’m so committed to riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) and raising funds for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This ride is more than a physical challenge — it’s a deeply personal mission to honor those I love and contribute to the fight against cancer.

My connection to this cause began in 2002 when my dad was diagnosed with throat and lymph node cancer. He underwent surgery and radiotherapy, fighting the disease with incredible courage. Despite living with cancer for ten years, his battle was marked by hardship, including difficulty speaking and the many side effects of treatment. In January 2012, his condition worsened, and he was hospitalized. This is the same time my daughter, Amelia, was born fifteen weeks early and was hospitalized for four months before being able to come home. We were so grateful to be able to bring Amelia home after such a long fight – unfortunately, months later, my Dad lost his battle and passed away in the hospital. Watching his fight taught me the true meaning of strength and endurance.

The impact of cancer didn’t end there. In November 2014, my mum was diagnosed with lung cancer. She bravely endured five months of chemotherapy, only for the cancer to return in 2017. Once again, she faced the grueling ordeal of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Today, she still lives with cancer, but thankfully the disease hasn’t progressed further. She inspires me every day to keep pushing forward, to keep hoping, and to keep fighting for a cure.

That’s why I’m a proud participant in this year’s Pan-Mass Challenge — a bike-a-thon that raises more money for the non-profit world than any other athletic fundraising event in the country. The PMC brings us closer to finding a cure for cancer – since its founding in 1980, riders like me have raised more than $1 billion for lifesaving cancer research, treatment, and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Dana-Farber is one of the country’s top cancer care hospitals, and the work they do saves lives and offers hope to families like mine.

Every mile I ride and every dollar I raise support the innovative work of doctors, nurses, and scientists dedicated to finding cures for cancers and related diseases. The funds go directly to Dana-Farber, with 100 percent of every dollar raised making an immediate impact. This means that your donation directly helps patients receive the best possible care and supports groundbreaking discoveries that bring us closer to ending cancer for good.

I ride the Pan-Mass Challenge for my Dad, whose memory fuels my determination. I ride for my Mum, whose ongoing fight inspires my strength. And I ride for everyone affected by this devastating disease, hoping for a future where no family has to endure the pain that cancer brings.

Please consider donating to my PMC fundraising effort. Your support helps me reach my goal and makes a real difference in the lives of patients at Dana-Farber and around the world. Together, we can pedal closer to a cure. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.