WEST NEWBURY — Some questions can never be answered, but that doesn't mean you can't keep trying.

When doctors could not find the source of the cancer that was rapidly spreading through Maureen Cooney, they did not give up.

And although Maureen died in 2001, her husband, state police Lt. Mike Cooney, has not given up either.

Cooney, of West Newbury, will ride in this year's Pan-Mass Challenge as part of Team Trooper Tested, a group composed of 38 troopers from across the state.

The Pan-Mass Challenge is a 192-mile bike ride that spans from central Massachusetts to Cape Cod, traveling through 45 towns in just two days and involving nearly 5,500 riders from 36 states and eight countries. To date, the ride has raised $204 million for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund.

On Aug. 2 and 3, Team Trooper Tested will ride for the first time in the PMC, donning matching blue state police jerseys, shorts and helmets.

Cooney, a 22-year state police veteran, first heard of the team from a fellow officer he works with at the attorney general's office. Although he had never participated in the PMC, Cooney joined the team and began his training to not only bike nearly 200 miles across the state, but to fight back at a disease that has affected more than 10 million Americans and left even more with many unanswered questions.

When Maureen Cooney had a sore leg, no one thought of cancer. As it worsened, a visit was made to a friend who was an orthopedic surgeon, never believing the pain to be a precursor to such a devastating disease.

The surgeon, however, knew what he was looking at. Soon after, the wife and mother of two was surrounded by physicians at Massachusetts General Hospital with the news that a form of cancer was rapidly spreading through her body.

"You wake up one morning, you have a cup of coffee, the next thing you know you're in an ambulance on the way to Mass. General," Mike Cooney said.

After only a year of battling the disease, Maureen Cooney died, leaving not only her husband but her son Ryan, then 10, and daughter Erin, then 8. Although some of her doctors have speculated about the origin of the disease, the source of her aggressive cancer has yet to be determined.

"You never know what's going to happen," Mike Cooney said.

Now, seven years after her death, Cooney is doing his part to fund the research that could find the source and cure the aggressive illness that took his wife's life.

Nevertheless, Cooney explained that it's not the training that offers the most difficulty, but the fundraising.

"It's pretty tough to raise the money," Cooney said. "I've been fortunate."

Cooney explained that he has received many donations from friends and family, although the $5,000 minimum per rider is quite a large amount to collect.

Team Trooper Tested plans to raise more than $200,000 in an attempt to become one of the "Heavy Hitter" teams in the bike challenge, giving them not only a guaranteed spot on the route but also a listing in the PMC yearbook that is sent to all of the riders.

Cooney also mentioned that his daughter Erin, now 16, has helped with some of the ride's hefty fundraising. His son Ryan, now 18, just left for the Air Force Academy last week.

And while many physical, financial and emotional difficulties come included with the ride, Cooney is sure that he will see the PMC again, whether it is on a bike or through further fundraising.

"I'll have to see how my body holds up after this ride," Cooney said. "But I'm sure I will be involved."

To support Team Trooper Tested, you can make an online donation by logging on to www.pmc.org/egifts.