I do the PMC for lots of reasons.  I do it because I can pedal a bicycle 192 miles.  It's not easy, but it's sure easier than having cancer. I do it because I love combining something I care deeply about with something I love doing. I do it because the PMC gives us cause for serious reflection and equally serious celebration. I do it in hopes that my effort will inspire others to join in this campaign. I do it because cancer has touched my life and I do it because I'm sure it has touched yours too.  I do it because cancer is the reason my daughters never really got to know their paternal grandmother (my Mom). And I don't want that to happen to their kids. Or to their grandkids. Or to yours.

My Mom (Harriet "Kappy" Zarkower) died in 1998 of complications related to her treatments for breast cancer.  My ride is forever dedicated to her courage and spirit, which continue to motivate me to try and make a difference in the lives of others.  Mom was never one to sit by idly, she was very action-oriented. The PMC would have been right up her alley.

I have adopted the Hebrew symbol "Chai" for my participation in the PMC because Chai is a symbol for life.  My "Chai" jersey, which I design each year and wear on Day 2, is inscribed with the names of my sponsors' friends and loved ones who have been stricken with cancer.  You can see what it looks like if you browse my photos. My 2008 jersey had 45 names on the back, and one - my Mom's - on the front.

So many close to me - close to us - have fought cancer, some successfully and some not. This is a battle we must all fight - and win - together.  And so the PMC inolves not only the riders (and virtual riders), but volunteers, corporate sponsors, families, friends, the many people along the route, and many others - all joined in a common goal - to rid the world of cancer.

Please join our effort by making a contribution for as much as you are comfortable making.

Thanks for reading, thanks for sponsoring me, and I'll see you on the road!

-jz