This August I would have been riding in my 17th PMC in the ongoing battle against cancer and this year, though different and re-imagined for PMC due to COVID-19, again will be filled with memories of friends, loved ones and friends' families too many in number to mention. Always close to my heart among the many are my father-in-law, our team's former pedal partner - 16-year-old Tatyana, and our teammate's sister - a young mother of two children. We honor their memories ...by riding and striving to defeat cancer!

This year's ride would have been in memory of my mother who battled hard every day but passed away in March. A breast cancer survivor for nearly 30 years, she battled uterine cancer for nearly 5 years, since 2015, she has always been on my mind as I ride, but even more so now...

I also ride and raise money for so many friends and family who have battled cancer and are Living Proof of what we can accomplish, many through treatments at Dana-Farber in Boston, as well as those who lost their battles.

In 2014, Team CHUCKLE suffered a loss as our co-captain's sister, Dana Parker, succumbed in her battle against a very rare form of cancer. Thanks to the doctors at Dana-Farber, Dana was able to spend over 3 years more with her family than would have been expected. Dana was a special woman who lit up a room with her effusive smile and contagious optimism. Those of us on the team who had the chance to meet her could feel her positive energy as she faced the greatest challenge of her life with dignity and strength, showing her young children how to live and how to love.

In 2015, Team CHUCKLE suffered another loss as Tatyana, our 2-time pedal partner, also succumbed to her ongoing battle. Taty also displayed great courage and perseverance and continued to inspire all who met her as she brightened any room with her enthusiasm and positive outlook on life. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute became a second home for Taty and the doctors there allowed her to spend far more time with her family than they dared to hope for.

We will be pushed along on this ride with the help of Dana, Taty, Mom, and so many others as we ride in their memory and to honor the cancer survivors.

I know that these are difficult times for many and our New Normal seems to change daily. I understand that not all are able to make donations. With this in mind, I repectfully and humbly ask once again that, if you are able, you please consider making a donation for cancer research. Unfortunately, cancer does not take a year off...

So, if you are able, please help me to make a difference in the battle against cancer by making a donation. It can be a donation for someone you love or in memory of someone you lost, or in support of me in my ride. It can be a little or it can be a lot. Regardless, it will be greatly appreciated and 100% of your donation will go to the Jimmy Fund for cancer research.

Thank you for all of your support and encouragement!

Pedal Hard...Laugh Harder!

Ray