I'm riding this year in memory of Christina Marie Spragg, who passed away in 2009 from cancer at age 52. She was my aunt, and an incredibly special person in my life, as well as those of my entire family. I remember Aunt Chris as independent, caring, and fiercely loyal to those she loved. She had a cutting sense of humor that kept us all laughing, and she let me stay up way past my bed time when I stayed with her growing up. Her loss is felt often, even 16 years later. We were lucky to have her in our family, while also knowing there are a thousand memories we didn't get to create.

I'm riding this year for her and my family, but also for the literal countless others who have lost people similarly dear to them to cancer. I'm thankful to have found a tangible way to honor Chrissy thru the Pan-Mass Challenge.

The Pan-Mass Challenge is a bike-a-thon that raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the country - to bring us Closer by the Mile to a cure for cancer.

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! Please donate to help me meet my goal, and honor my Aunt Chris. Thank you!!

- Ryan