The Pan-Mass Challenge is a Massachusetts-based bike-a-thon that raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the country. Always held the first weekend in August, the PMC raises funds for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world leader in adult and pediatric cancer treatment and research.

My dad has been riding the PMC for 14 years and this year,I will join him and his team for the 4th year in a row!

Each of us has been impacted in some way by the devastating effects of cancer, whether it is a friend, family member, loved one, colleague, etc. I ride to support those who have been impacted by cancer and raise money to improve treatement regimens and find cures for cancers that do not yet have strong treatment plans.

This year, my ride takes on a new meaning as I ride in honor of my mom, who bravely battled breast cancer this winter. Her strength, coupled with the incredible support from advanced medical treatments and technology, was truly inspiring. I want to ensure that others can be just as fortunate. I also ride in honor of Jay Shaprio, my second father figure and best-man who received successful life-saving cancer treatment at the Dana Farber.

I ride in my memory of my two very dear friends, fellow Pinecliffe girl and blue team captain Rachel Rabinovitz, and my fellow Longhorn and Aephi sister Hallie Grossman, who have both lost their battles with cancer.