Last year, I rode, with your support, the Pan-Mass Challenge for the third time. Unlike the first time, I knew what to expect what a two-day, 200-mile bike ride would do to me...so a few words to try and explain...pretty much the same story as last year...

I ride, primarily, for my mom. She suffers from Waldenstrom's Macroglobulemia, a blood cancer which, unfortunately, seems to be inherited in nature; we have already lost a grandmother and an uncle to the disease. So, I guess, I also ride for myself, my sisters and my three daughters. But the bad news ends there! My mom has, for the past few years, participated in experimental drug trials at Dana Farber in Boston, which are largely funded by events such as the Pan-Mass Challenge. She is once again "stable", after the doctors at Dana-Farber found a new drug for her this winter, and has already lived longer than many in the past who had this disease; because before Dana-Farber took up the challenge, no one was working on this rare disease.

The Pan-Mass Challenge is the largest "bike-ride" fundraiser in the world. Last year, we raised $31 Million for the Jimmy Fund; which benefits the Dana-Farber Cancer Center. Thanks to numerous corporate sponsors, 100% of funds raised go directly to Dana-Farber. For more info on the event, and Dana Farber, please go to www.pmc.org .

I ride on a great team - FORZA-G. This year, we will be over 35-strong, and all have different, but similar, stories as to why we ride. Our commonality is that we have all been affected by cancer in one way or another; and we also love the challenge and comraderie inherent in undertaking a tough challenge for a good cause. We know that this year has not been the best financially, but ask each of you to do what you can to support us and this wonderful charity. I know it is tougher to be generous to others in times like these, so please do what you can.