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.

This is my first Pan Mass Challenge, and like many of you reading this, cancer has impacted my family and friends. When I was in the second grade, a neighbor and classmate was a victim of childhood leukemia. When my parents used the term cancer, it really was my first experience to the term. I felt so sad but also ignorant. I have been blessed to work in an industry that treats chronic disease including cancer. So I have seen the advances in my work and in my community. Yet there is still trajedy. A family friend just lost his son, a loving husband and father of two. Cancer is agnostic to age, gender and ethnic background. Conversely, my dear late aunt and brother-in-law are examples of survivors! Over my lifetime, there have been astounding advances made in the field of cancer research and treatment. I want to continue to be part of this evolving lifeline to current and future patients; that is why I chose to ride.

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.