The beginning of August always marks a special time for me. Not only is it the birthday of our twins on August 4th, but every year on the first weekend in August, thousands of riders jump on their bikes and ride the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) more cures for cancer. For 8 years, I have joined Team Berkshire to ride 163 miles across Massachusetts to the tip of Cape Cod in 2 days, and have raised over $100,000 for cancer research. This year will mark my 9th ride.

I know many of you know our story. It is just one of many stories of families whose lives were changed by cancer. It's hard to believe that 8 1/2 years ago, we were sitting in the Jimmy Fund (pediatric unit at Dana Farber Cancer Institute) speaking with oncologists and preparing for our 8 year old to undergo surgery to remove his kidney. And within days it was confirmed that Daniel had Wilms Tumor cancer.

We never thought it would happen to us and it was through our faith, support of family, friends and the excellent care at DFCI and Children's Hospital that got us through those tough days. A mother's heart ALWAYS has hope, even when their children face life threatening illnesses. Every year, there are more and more people to honor and remember during my ride. It is what makes the spirit of the PMC so special. We are all committed to the cause - to find more cures.

This year, I will be honoring more cancer warriors, a few survivors and too many angels who have lost the battle with cancer. Every year, this is what gives me the endurance to keep riding -- honoring all the cancer warriors.

For those that don’t know, the PMC is the largest athelteic fundraiser in the country and 100% of the donations benefit the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). The PMC allows DFCI to continue to pave the way for more extensive research on all cancers, better treatments and higher cure rates. One hundred percent of every rider-raised dollar goes directly to the cause, and the PMC is Dana-Farber’s largest single contributor of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue. The Jimmy Fund is the pediatric cancer unit.

I ride to honor my son. I ride to honor all the other cancer warriors out there. I ride to honor the angels that we hold in our hearts who have lost their fight. I ride for more research. I ride for more cures. I ride to give back to Dana Farber. I ride because I can.

I am personally committed to raising $6,000 this year for the PMC by my birthday, October 1st and every dollar raised goes to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I greatly appreciate your support with your generous donations over the years and for keeping us in your hearts. Please donate so more people can be cured. Thank you in advance for your support of the PMC and a special thank you for those that continue to support this cause, year after year.

Please reach out to share the name(s) of any cancer warriors close to your heart. I will gladly ride in honor of them too. I pray that you and your family are blessed with good health.

With sincere gratitude,

Sonya Marquez (SM0499)

Please donate to the PMC ride with one of the following links:

Click here to make a $1,000 donation
Click here to make a $500 donation
Click here to make a $250 donation
Click here to make a $100 donation
Click here to make a $50 donation
Click here to make $25 donation
Click here to make a donation of any other amount

The PMC supports DAF Direct to designate PMC riders for a charitable gift Click here to support my ride with a gift from your Fidelity Donor Advised Fund.

Your donation is tax deductible and 100% will go to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

If your employer has a matching gift program, ask your Human Resources department for a form, and follow the process for matches.

To learn more about the Pan-Mass Challenge, please visit www.pmc.org.