I am riding in the Pan Mass Challenge to raise money for cancer research at the Dana Farber Cancer Center.  I, like most people in America, have been affected by cancer. My mom passed away on October 18, 2006 following her courageous battle with cancer. And, my dad is a healthy, thriving cancer survivor.  Last year, I had the great joy of riding to honor the strength and calm of my friend Savina-another amazing cancer survivor.

This year I am riding the Pan Mass Challenge to applaud the unrelenting spirit of John Snyder as he fights his battle with cancer. John Snyder is my wife's uncle and he is quite simply a force of nature. John Snyder is a compelling, hilarious, lover of life. Everything has always been over the top in John's life and his stories will have you riveted for hours and leave you questioning whether you will ever laugh so hard again. John is so important to me because in midst of his remarkable stories, he always seems to find a way to make me feel better. Even in the most difficult times of life, John Snyder is a testament to the power of laughter. He is the embodiment of my favorite mantra-"something good is going to happen to me today and I can't wait to find out what it is". I am riding to thank John for being such a positive force in my life and the lives of so many others.

I am also riding to honor my good friend and mentor Kevin Kelly. Kevin has given so much through his dedication and spirit and has asked for very little in return. Kevin's calm and considerate approach to life is a lesson for all of us to take a minute and reflect upon the important things.

And I am riding because our hope for a cure for cancer demands money-lots of money to support the research, technology, treatment programs and to attract the brightest minds in medicine to the cause.

I am riding with the realization that you support this cause too.

Please sponsor my effort to help find a cure for cancer by donating money to the Pan Mass Challenge and help me reach my fundraising goal. As much as you can give is a welcome expression of your support.