I am very happy and honored to be joining my father in his 26th consecutive Pan-Mass Challenge ride, this upcoming August. It is humbling to become a part of this legacy that began long before my birth, when my grandfather passed away, and my father joined the (at that time) small band of riders making the long trip across the state of Massachusetts. I have been on the sidelines supporting my father at this event for my entire life, each year looking forward to the time when I could be rolling into the finish line by his side.

For those of you who do not know, the PMC is a 190 mile bike ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown in an effort to fight one of this world's most deadly sicknesses. Each year, thousands of riders gather to fundraise, pedal, and ultimately support the cause to cure cancer. Over the past two and a half decades, my father has recruited various family members to join him on the ride, and this year, the Pedaling Paesans will begin their first 190 mile trek as an official PMC team.

For me, this ride means so much more than a fundraising opportunity or a test of physical endurance. Cancer seems to touch everyone's life at some point, and unfortunately, it has made its way into mine. My Uncle Anthony, my mother's second oldest brother, was diagnosed with advanced stage nasal pharyngeal cancer before I was born, and has been in an uphill battle against the disease for almost all of my life. About 10 years after Uncle Anthony's diagnosis, my Uncle Joe, my mother's oldest brother, began a battle against the same cancer that has thankfully settled into remission. I am priviliged to have the opportunity to ride alongside my Uncle Joe, living proof of Dana Farber's progressive cancer research. Because of this disease that has plagued my uncles during my liftetime, I never had the opportunity to meet my grandfather, as he succumbed to cancer many years before I was born.

This August, when I clip into my pedals and begin my long journey across the state, I will be thinking about the men and women I ride for, both those I know, and those I have yet to meet. I am just a small part of a worldwide movement, but through my resilliance and effort, I hope to do right by those who spend their lives battling against sickness, depression, and fear, as I play my small part in this expansive, global effort.

I would very much appreciate any donation, big or small, because every little bit makes a difference. 100% of the money I raise will go directly to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute to fund cancer research. With your support, I know that WE will someday rid the world of cancer, but until then, we pedal.