• Name: Emily
• Age: 13
• Activity: Organizing a bike ride to raise funds for cancer research
• Finalist award: A Nicki Fleming doll
• Nominated by: Her mother, Dolly

Six years ago, after listening to my excitement about completing my first Pan Massachusetts Challenge (PMC), a 192-mile bike ride to benefit cancer research, my daughter Emily declared that she was going to participate in the ride the following year. At the age of 9, Emily was too young to ride. However, she was not to be discouraged as she boldly stated that she would start a PMC ride of her own for kids.

Emily’s hope is to see a cure for cancer in her lifetime. With each push of a pedal, children are making a difference.

Emily and I spent hours researching possible sites and generating ideas to make it successful. Emily hung posters and invited young children from local schools to ride. On the day of the ride, Emily created mile markers, set up water stops, and encouraged the riders. The first year, there were 35 riders and $1,600 was raised for cancer research. Since then, the ride has been held annually and become bigger and better. During the last four years, more than 450 children have participated in the ride and raised nearly $50,000. Each year, Emily’s participation and leadership have increased, and her efforts now include writing to local businesses for sponsorships and donations.

Although Emily did not know it at the time, when she began her event, there was one other PMC Kids Ride in the state. After the success of her first event, the PMC decided to formalize Kids Rides. There are now close to 20 other rides for children across the state.

Each year, local children who have battled or are currently battling cancer themselves participate in the ride. They are known as “Pedal Partners.” It is incredibly inspiring to see these brave children fighting this deadly disease. Emily’s hope is to see a cure for cancer in her lifetime. With each push of a pedal, children are making a difference.