This is my first year riding the Pan Mass Challenge! My friend, Amy Morse whose first ride was last year, convinced me to sign up for this year. I ride in memory of my father, Jeff Clarke- a loving husband, father, brother, son, and grandfather who lost his battle with lung cancer 10 years ago this year. He was an avid sports fan and golfer, and my uncle runs an annual golf tournament that raises money for local scholarships every year. I also ride in memory of my Aunt Kathy who also passed away 10 years ago from lung cancer.

UPDATE : About a month before my ride I lost my Auntie Diane to lung cancer, and I am very motivated to finish this ride in memory of her.

Many of us have either lost loved ones to cancer, have loved ones who are battling cancer, or who are living proof. I want to make a positive impact in any way I can and I look forward to fundraising for Dr. Ken Anderson at Fana Farber and ride with the Patriot Platelet Pedalers!

Since its founding in 1980, PMC riders like me have raised more than $1 billion for lifesaving cancer research, treatment and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, one of the country's top cancer care hospitals. My PMC is making a difference in the lives of patients at Dana-Farber and around the world. The funds I raise support the innovative work of doctors, nurses, and scientists in their search for cures for cancers and related diseases.

100 percent of every dollar I raise goes directly to Dana-Farber, meaning that your donation has a real impact! Please donate to my PMC fundraising and help me reach my fundraising goal.