Hello Friends and Family,

This July, one of my oldest and dearest friends, Alex (aka Sash), and I are riding in the annual Braveheart's Friends of Dylan Connelly ride. It's my second year riding - Colleen and I had a great experience during the ride and afterparty of last year's event. Sash and I are hoping for your support in fundraising and would love for you to join us in the ride or celebration if you can make it! Below is the story of what's inspired us to ride in this race:

Within hours of meeting my partner, Colleen, I learned about her father, the late, great Billy Yout. His absence has not reduced his presence or his power. The man, the strength of his character, the loyalty of his friendship, the pain of losing him, the stories… the endless stories of his days, and his lifelong bravery. I never had the opportunity to meet Billy. He died nearly 15 years ago from an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma. Glioblastoma swiftly took out a powerhouse, shriveling him before killing him. Billy Yout was taken far earlier than anyone could have imagined. He was 57 with three children and he never got to see his first grandchild, or second, or third, or now fourth…

If glioblastoma can take out a gritty MF'er like Billy Yout in the way that it did, it's a cancer that needs attention, research funding, and support for the families with loved ones fighting its grip. Hearing stories of the challenges Billy and the family faced has helped develop my own sense of empathy and understanding for folks going through dire health situations.

I didn't know Dylan Connelly, the man who is remembered through the Bravehearts Friends of Dylan Connelly fundraising organization, but I've learned that he was diagnosed with glioblastoma shortly after his 30th birthday. I imagine he and I may have run in similar circles; he founded a commercial solar energy company, was an avid cyclist, was an outdoor enthusiast, and resided in Harvard, MA where we live. He sounds like the best sort of gritty New Englander - a big ass heart who could hang tough in any situation. I aspire to live a life where so many people can find inspiration and positive memories from their time with me and Dylan seems to have achieved that in a similar way that Billy does.

Please help support Sash and my 25- and 50-mile rides on Saturday, July 13th in honor of Billy Yout, Dylan Connelly, and the young folks and their families who will benefit from this year's fundraising. The ride runs through the Town of Harvard, where we recently purchased a home and are deepening our connections to the community. If you're close by and want to experience the day with us, it will be a wonderful celebration. More information about the day can be found here: https://www.braveheartsfodc.com/

This year, 100% of the money raised through the 7th Annual Bravehearts Ride and Family Day will benefit Camp Sunshine. Camp Sunshine provides respite, support, joy, and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families from around the world through the various stages of their journeys. Having learned from Colleen and her family what the benefit of a respite during Billy's illness, I can only imagine the benefit being that much more important for children and their families facing difficult health situations.

Thank you in advance for your support!