On Friday, September 5th, my brother from another, Nelson and I will once again set out on our annual cycling journey — nearly 100 miles through the breathtaking Hudson Valley. From Fishkill, over the Shawangunk Mountains, past the serene waters of Lake Minnewaska, down through the Accord Valley, and back through the rugged and magnificent beauty of the Mohonk Mountain Pass, we’ll ride with purpose for every mile.

It’s a challenging ride, but one we are deeply grateful to undertake. This year, it holds even greater meaning.

This past March, just weeks after her 84th birthday, we said goodbye to my beloved mother, who passed away from colon cancer. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her — the laughter, the strength, the not-so-quiet wisdom. Her memory rides with me now and every day through “mom moments”. And like so many others, I carry the pain and love of someone lost.

Cancer and other diseases have touched so many lives. Too many.

Nelson also lost his stepmom to complications from diabetes and kidney disease early this Summer so we’re all to familiar with the pain and hurt of losing someone so meaningful and close to our lives and our families.

That’s why we’ve chosen to dedicate this ride — and every ounce of effort it takes — to raising support for the American Cancer Society. We ride not only in memory of our moms, but in honor of all those we've lost, and with hope for a future free from this devastating disease.

If you’ve lost someone you love to cancer — or if your life has been touched in any way — we invite you to join us in this mission. We've created a GoFundMe page where 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the American Cancer Society. Any amount, no matter how small, helps move us one step closer to a cure.

Ride with us in spirit. Donate in memory. And believe, as we do, that together we can create a world where no family has to endure the pain of losing a loved one to cancer.

Thank you for your support, your love, and your hope.

With gratitude,

Nelson and Dan