TeamBrent was put together because in September of 2004 I entered the toughest stage of my life. My then 2 year old son Brent was diagnosed withstage ivNeuroblastoma. There is no way to explain the shock and horror of having someone tell you your child has cancer. There is no way to explain having to watch your child in pain and suffering through treatments to save his or her life. It is my great hope no one else will ever have to go through that.And that is why we ride.  We believe that Together We Can Make a Difference.

While overall PMC funds go towards fighting cancer in general at the Dana Farber, our team's monies are targeted towards fighting neuroblastoma, the childhood cancer that Brent fought.  We have partnered with Dr.Lisa Diller MD, chief medical officer of Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Care and the clinical director of pediatric oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children's Hospital Boston to allocate our donations most effectively. Thisyear’s funds will go to (1)Research into "ALK," a mutation of a gene found in Neuroblastoma patients that may yield clues on how to diagnose and treat the disease, and (2)Investment in research personnel to perform important clinical research trials on Neuroblastoma. In previous years, the team's funds have gone towards a new treatment room at Boston Children's Hospital, allowing for MIBG radiotherapy for children with relapsed Neuroblastoma.

As a Dad, the only thingI can do is ride strong and help raise as much money as possible this year. As next year may be too late.  We ride the bikes, but your funds are what are making the difference.  

My Teammates who will be training and riding beside me are friends I will always value for their unwavering support of my family and their determination to never let another child suffer with cancer.I've learned a lot about friendship, as my friends have been with us every step of the way with whatever we need. I've learned about community, since so many strangers have come forward to support us and fight cancer in so many ways.  Brent fought incredibly hard and has been disease free since Sept 26, 2005,but the fight goes on.  This year’s team of 60 riders includes two other families riding for theiryoungNeuroblastoma survivors. Brent, Maggie and Ian are living proof that your efforts make a difference. Thank you foryour support.