This is a recent photo of my wife, Leslie. We met the summer after we both graduated from college and have been inseparable ever since (over twenty years now!). She is my best friend, my soulmate, my bedrock, and my true love.

She is also a cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2005, and spent much of the rest of that year going through surgery, chemo, and radiation.  In April 2008, we were thrilled and relieved that she had a clean 3-year mammogram.  Meanwhile, we've continued to do our best to find our way towards the "new normal."

Part of my new normal is riding the PMC.  I rode for the first time in 2006, and little did I know just what a life-changing experience it would be for me: having never done anything of the sort before, I was not prepared for the supporters and signs by the side of the road; the kindness and dedication of all the volunteers; the beauty of riding along the Cape Cod canal at sunrise; the stunning scenery and glorious ocean views of the second day; the emotional roller coaster of seeing all the stories, photos and ribbons on riders' jerseys, signs, etc. ; and most of all, the feeling of being among literally thousands of people with a common goal -- a goal that has become very important to me.  Needless to say, I rode again in 2007, and am preparing to ride again this summer.

Sadly, the months since the 2007 PMC have brought more bad cancer news than good among friends & family: In September 2007, Leslie's uncle was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and passed away literally within weeks.  Then, at the end of October, our dear friend Kathy (a lifelong non-smoker) lost her battle with lung cancer that had spread to her back and brain.  Early in 2008 my mother, a 14-year breast cancer survivor, had a scare when some blood test results were abnormal - so far, the follow-up tests were negative; there are still some additional tests to come.

So this year, I'm riding with the memory of dear ones in my heart, and to support Leslie, my mother, Hannah, Susan N and all the others who have fought and are fighting this devastating disease.  Please help me to thank the wonderful folks at Dana Farber Cancer Institute for all they've done and continue to do, and to try to make some contribution (however small) to the fight against cancer by supporting this ride and this cause.

Thank you for your generous support!

P.S.: Click here to view a story aired by NECN about the PMC team I ride with:
http://www.boston.com/partners/worldnow/necn.html?catID=83459&clipid=1437360&autoStart=true&mute=false&continuous=true 
(For the sharp-eyed among you. I'm the one in the white helmet at the very start of the clip of the team setting off to ride.)