I wasn't quite six years old when Johnny lost his life to cancer. I know, I know, it was a long time ago, but my developmental psychology professor says children can develop long-term memories starting as early as 3! So, it's not surprising that out of all the gazillion moments I had with Johnny, I specifically remember one about a dead fish’s eyeball! Odd right? I was racing down the street to the beach, barefoot, of course, then sprinting through the sand, all the way to the end of the dock where my Dad and Johnny were arriving off the boat. From the back of the stern, Johnny holds up this huge (well, bigger than me at the time!) fish! Fascinated by it, I begged for Johnny to give me its eyeball! I couldn’t tell you why, I just needed it. He challenged me and said he would give me the eyeball if I touched it first. I looked at him like he was crazy! While giggling, I’m sure I said 'No way!'. I was far too scared, and so I walked away empty-handed as Johnny muttered, 'chicken'!

My grandfather, Gromit, (but as most of you know him, Maarten), has been an inspiration to me for as long as I can remember. I was there when he got his 25th year PMC tattoo! Gromit plus a tattoo was something I never thought I’d see! But it made me realize just how big of an impact this ride has had on him. It's so big that this year will be his 34th time riding the Pan Mass Challenge, and my 20th as a family cheerleader! But instead of ringing cowbells on the side of the road with my cousins and high-fiving riders who are pedaling way too fast, this will be my first riding alongside my grandfather as a PMC rider. I am thrilled, emotional, honored, and scared! Scared because this is new. Scared because, can I really ride that many miles? (I don’t even have a bike yet!!) But, unlike turning away from touching the eyeball of the dead fish, I'm grabbing the handlebars & taking on the Pan-Mass Challenge, even though I am a little terrified!

You can help make it a little less terrifying my supporting my ride! I realize there are many commitments that you all may have to other fundraising efforts, and all of our pockets are a little tighter these days. I also realize that this is my goal, not yours. I have made this commitment, but I wouldn’t have made it if I didn’t think I had the support of my friends, acquaintances, and family. I know you are out there, so get on the website, click, and commit to any dollar amount, and I mean any! Even $2 will help me get closer to accomplishing this goal.

If you can’t support financially, then consider making your way out on Saturday, August 2nd, or Sunday, August 3rd, to cheer on the thousands of riders that will flood the roadways. From Wellesley to Boston to P’Town, they will be out there in full force! Their enduring commitment and intense dedication to this ride are beyond inspiring. Look for my cousins, aunt, and Gromit! Oh, and me!