My decision to be involved with this program is because this disease has touched the lives of so many, including friends and family members. Witnessing their strength and resilience in the face of such a formidable evil has been both humbling and inspiring.

Firstly, I ride for my Meemee. She was diagnosed with lung cancer when I was 11. She was a light in the darkness of my life and raised me in a manner that I have the utmost respect for. Even while she was struggling she helped me understand how to be a better person, and fought for a year before passing away in July of 2015. Her loss always made me feel like I had a bigger message to share and this opportunity was the perfect place to begin the fight.

The 4000-mile bike ride is not just about covering great distances; it's about sending a message of hope and determination. Cancer is a relentless adversary, but so too is the human spirit.

Secondly, I ride for Jim. If you want to talk about determination he is the epitome of that word. Although he was not directly suffering from this disease, he had close family members who were. He is the person I have begun reflecting my life over. Every minute we spent together, he was talking about his ambitions to do amazing things and was so determined to do whatever he wanted to do. Earlier this year, Jim passed away and it has been one of the hardest things I have had to comprehend in my life. Understanding the fragility of life and how quickly it can be taken away propels me to want to be in the fight against cancer to make a change.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my mission. Your encouragement, whether it's through words of encouragement, sharing my journey with others, or making a donation through my just giving, would mean the world to me. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by cancer, and I believe that together, we can pedal towards a future where cancer is no longer the enemy affecting so many great people.