This year, I continue to ride for multiple reasons. First, I ride so my son and daughter, Kiernan and Kennedy, will one day live in a world where cancer is a thing of the past.

I also ride as a member of Team Boston Fire. Every three weeks a Boston firefighter is diagnosed with cancer, a staggering statistic that ranks 2.5 times the average rate of other Boston populations. Annually, an average of 20 Boston firefighters develop cancer. Since 1990, nearly 200 Boston firefighters have been lost to occupational cancer. Many of these first responders are fellow Marine and military veterans who continue to serve their community. I ride so that these brave men and women who protect our city will have one less thing to worry about with their already dangerous careers.

In addition, I've seen the devastating impact that cancer has on lives and families. In 2016, I lost my uncle, Jim Connors, to cancer. Every mile we ride is one mile closer to a cure. Thank you for your support of my ride.