This year will be my first year being part of the PMC as a rider. The pan mass challenge has held a special place in my heart for years now. 17 years as a daughter watching her dad (a 41 year cancer survivor) ride. I’ve spent years cheering on my mom (12 year rider), sister Leah (8 year rider) and my youngest sisters (3 year rider). I also have been volunteering for the last 8 years at the Brewster water stop. But this year is special, because for the first time I am going to be riding the pan mass challenge.

I am definitely not riding for the joy of experiencing what 192 miles feels like.The real motivator that pushed me to get on that bike was my dad. Not because he made me do it, but because he has always had a dream riding the PMC as a full TEAM CHEV

This year we will be riding as a full family of 6; making us one of the largest single families to ride the Pan Mass Challenge.

I am blessed to be riding beside my dad, the strongest man I know; LIVING PROOF of 41 years. His battle is a part of what makes him a resilient dad, husband, rider, and the man he is today. https://profile.pmc.org/TC0142.

I knew I had the strength to complete his dream when I looked back on the riders I have interacted with while volunteering on the route in my past 7 years. One in particular was a 72 year old man as he was pulling in to the water stop on his second day with 130 miles under his belt. It was hot, full sun; he looked frail but strong. He thanked me for vounteering, I thanked him for riding. As he walked away, I saw on the back of his shirt that he is not yet a survivor but was currently in the middle of his cancer treatments..my heart sank. However, I also felt the power of this organization and I realized how selfless these riders are. I stood there with tears in my eyes seeing hundreds of faces on the backs of shirts. I saw husbands with beautiful wives, loving grandparents, and sweet children. Cancer has taken to many of these beautiful lives who fought with strength.. which is what will build my strength and push me through all 192 miles.

I ride for my Grandfather Poppy who is a cancer survivor, I also ride in honor of my Grandfather Morfar who passed to the disease. Cancer never took his humor, his smile, even at the very end. It doesnt take everthing but it tries. I ride for everyone who is fighting this battle, the ones who lost the battle, the ones who are standing brave by a loved one, and the ones who are proof. Living proof that this ride gets us closer to a cure.

My family is committed to raising $36,000 in order to participate in this ride. Please donate to show your fight, your strength. Let’s all beat this battle together. RIDE ON BABY. The PMC is committed to this mission and 100 percent of funds raised by PMC participants go directly to Dana-Farber. Thank you <3