We have all been touched in some way by this horrific disease. Five years ago I was lucky enough to participate in my first Pan Mass Challenge ride and it forever changed my life. I have been lucky enough to be able to combine a passion of mine, cycling, with an incredibly positive cause that raises awareness and most importantly, funding, for the fight to defeat this insidious disease.

 

My team, Team Perry, rides in memory of Perry Levy who was struck down with a rare gastrointestinal cancer at the age of 32. All the funds our team raises 100%,  goes directly to the Dana Farber Cancer Institue to find a cure for all forms of gastro cancers. Gastrointestincal cancer is the third (3rd) most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third (3rd) leading cause of death in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society in 2011 about 141,210 men and women will be diagnosed and 49,380 people will die of this disease.

 

My act of riding 190 miles pales in comparison with the fortitude and character that cancer survivors and patients manifest each day in their very real struggle. I am grateful for the opportunity to share the hope and dream of making this disease a thing of the past and will ride until the cure is discovered.