In 2008, after losing my father to liver cancer and my father-in-law to esophogeal cancer I decided it was time for me to try to do something to help in the fight against cancer. Cancer is pervasive and touches each and every one of us. Thanks to the extraordinary advances in cancer treatment, my brother-in-law has been cured of colon cancer!

The list goes on, but the true inspiration and spark for my riding is my 18 year old twins. I look at them and feel the need to do anything and everything in my power to protect them from suffering the loss of loved ones or dare I say it, themselves, to cancer.

I want to make a difference! The Pan Mass Challenge is the best way that I can put my efforts directly to work in the fight against cancer. The PMC raises more money for charity than any other single event in the country. Since 1980, it has raised over $1 Billion for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. Since 2007, the PMC has donated 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to the cause.

This year will be my 18th ride, and my 9th ride as part of team Stem Cell Cyclists and our new Pedal Partner Kathryn Clark. The team was formed in 2004 by Martha Gold and directs its fundraising directly to Dr. Corey Cutler's leading edge research at Dana Farber. Please check out the team page and information about Dr. Cutler's research at http://profile.pmc.org/TS0103.

Please help us in raising money towards the eradication of cancer in our lifetimes.