The 39th PanMass Challenge (PMC) is just around the corner, and this year I will be saddling up for my 6th PMC as a proud member of Team Kermit. I often get a late start on my fundraising, but I'm particularly late this year, as 2018 got off to a rough start for me with the loss of my mom. Although she didn't have cancer, she was always my biggest supporter on so many levels. The big three topics of conversation for our regular phone calls were always the weather, her beautiful dog Jake, and how my riding and fundraising for the PMC were going.

The good news is that in spite of our fickle New England weather, the riding is going well (thanks to Zwift), and I will most certainly be ready to roll out of Sturbridge the first weekend in August. However, my late start on the fundraising means that I'm going to need all of your help and support to reach my goal. You have all been so supportive of my efforts in the past, and I am certain that we will get there together again this year.

For those of you who may not know, Team Kermit was formed in memory of Jared Branfman, who bravely fought brain and spinal tumors for 2 ½ years. 100% of the money raised by Team Kermit goes through the PMC and into the “Jared Branfman Sunflowers for Life Fund for Pediatric Brain and Spinal Cancer Research.” That means every dollar you donate goes directly to cancer research and not fundraising costs or overhead. Dana-Farber is home to the only dedicated pediatric low-grade glioma program in the world, and the physician-scientists there are developing groundbreaking scientific studies and providing world-class clinical care for patients with pediatric brain tumors.

Last year,the PMC raised a record breaking 51 million dollars with $461,000 from Team Kermit going to fund critical research that directly impacts the outcomes for kids with cancer. Federal funding for this type of life-saving scientific research is being drastically cut, so i is now more important than ever that you join me in supporting this cause.

I can't develop the new drug that cures cancer, but I can certainly pedal a bike. No parent should lose a child to this disease, no child should be without their mom or dad.  I am so very grateful for your past support of my efforts and look forward to welcoming you along for this year's 182 mile journey from Sturbridge to P-Town. This year, I dedicate my ride to my Mom who passed along her strength and tenacity, which serve me well, and to honor the memory of my Dad. I also ride to remember my college roommates, Patricia Huse McVeigh, and Persis Gleason Elkins, whose diagnosis of a brain tumor led me to Team Kermit; as well as our Vermont neighbor Connie Seymour. All of these women were wonderful partners, moms, and tireless advocates for children and families. They are dearly missed. I also am inspired by my VT friend and fellow PMCer who is now cancer-free as the result of the care he received through Dana Farber.

I have made a personal commitment to ride and raise $4,900. I hope you will join me by donating to my PMC ride at one of the following links:

My Links

Team Kermit

Steven Branfman