I'm a proud participant in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) - a bike-a-thon that raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the country. I heard about the PMC three years ago when my girlfriend, Stephanie, flew from Denver to ride for her second time; this year will be Steph and her dad's combined 18th year riding in the PMC. Now that I am in Boston for medical school, I am thrilled to join myself and contribute to this important cause.

Cancer has touched so many of us. Personally, I ride for the patients I have begun treating at Boston Medical Center who continue to fight cancer each day, and in honor of my Grandma Mary, who lost her battle with uterine cancer when I was 10-years-old. I also ride as an oncology researcher at the Boston VA. Working in the field, I’ve seen both the incredible progress made possible by research and the devastating consequences when funding falls short. Dana-Farber’s ability to develop tomorrow’s cures now more than ever relies directly on events like the PMC — and people like you.