On the weekend of August 3rd, I will participate in my first Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC)—a two-day bike-a-thon that donates 100% of all rider-raised funds directly to cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

For my family, the PMC holds special significance. My parents have each completed thirteen rides, and my sister will embark on her fifth this summer. I am proud to continue this tradition and ride in honor of my mom, who was diagnosed in 2017 with Sezary disease, a rare form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. While the disease is treatable, it remains incurable. She continues to receive exceptional care at Dana-Farber and recently began the next stage of her treatment this summer: an allogeneic stem cell transplant, which offers the potential for a cure. By riding the PMC together, my sister and I hope to keep the faith and do our part to help drive research forward and improve treatment for patients like our mom.

I am privileged to ride as a member of CRUS11Tour, a team of more than 100 cyclists riding in memory of Davey Hovey, who passed away in 2017. Proceeds from our team support brain cancer research led by Davey’s physician, Dr. David Reardon, at Dana-Farber.

The PMC is a way for me to play a small part in making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer, a disease that touches us all in some way. I hope you’ll consider supporting me in this effort to help invest in a future without cancer.