I'm a proud participant in the Pan-Mass Challenge - 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.

in July of 2023 I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Like everyone else that gets this diagnosis, it came out of the blue. It sarted out as just some upset stomach pain and a week later, there were some obvious signs that things just weren't right. A few days later (July 28th, 2023), we got the news I had pancreatic cancer and we went into full fact-finding mode. We were so fortunate to find a team of doctors at Dana-Farber that are arguably some of the best in the country and immediately started on our treatment plan. A year of multiple chemo regiments, radiation, and surgeries (and feeling like shit through most of it :)), finished almost a year to the day of my diagnosis. I have since enrolled in a vaccine trial with my fingers-crossed, will provide long lasting protection.

So many of you have already done so much for me, I find it hard to ask for more. But, the main reason I am here today is because of the amazing work that all of the physicians, physicians assistants, nurses, scientists, and really the entire hospital staff have done over the years in combating this disease through research and trials, that I want to give back and contribute to their work so more people can be saved from this illness. Please consider giving something this year (it doesn't have to be a lot), as I plan to do this ride over-and-over again to help all the amazing people that have helped me along the way.

Most importantly I need to give a very big shout-out to my wife. I cannot even start to describe what she has meant to me during this time. All of the research she did, the endless doctor visits, asking sooo many questions and making sure I was getting the best care possible and no stone was left unturned. I think what I remember most is the two of us being together all the time. She refused to leave no matter what the circumstances were and I am so grateful for that time together!!!

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, meaning that your donation has a real impact! Please donate to my PMC fundraising and help me reach my fundraising goal.