On August 3rd and 4th I will be participating in my third Pan Mass Challenge. Even though I’ve seen it from two very different perspectives, the event continues to inspire me.
In 2017, a cycling accident prevented me from riding so I volunteered as part of the transportation crew, picking up riders who were struggling. Through their disappointment, they all told stories of why they were riding, why the event meant so much to them. How cancer personally impacted them.
In 2018 I participated as a rider, cycling 192 miles over two days from Sturbridge to Provincetown. I couldn’t help but be moved by all the volunteers who thanked the riders for their effort. I was touched by the thousands of spectators holding signs and yelling at the cyclists, thanking them for riding. Many yelled or held signs stating that they were survivors.
Each year brings more survivors as advances in cancer treatment improve. Many of those advances take place at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. That’s why I once again will be participating. 100% of all donations go directly to Dana Farber. Cyclist registration fees and corporate sponsorships cover the cost of the event so that your donation can be used where it will do the most good. The work that Dana Farber does is life-saving. And the PMC fund raising helps fuel that work.
The riders thank the volunteers for serving food, inflating their tires and massaging sore muscles. The volunteers thank the riders for the effort they are exerting. But without you, those people who donate to this great cause, we wouldn’t have a reason to ride. Please be part of this great experience and make as big a donation as you can.
Thank you.
