I began riding the Pan-Mass Challenge in 1999 as a personal challenge. I wanted to prove I could complete the ride.
Soon, it took on a much more important meaning to me. Seeing kids with cancer cheering us on at the rest stops brought home the importance of what we are doing. A cure for cancer will be found some day, but that cure will not happen without funding. I believe the PMC to be the best way to fund cancer research.
No one goes untouched by cancer. Everyone has a relative or friend who has been affected by it. My grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, and my father-in-law have all lost their lives to cancer. In 2011, my best friend of 32 years, Art McBain lost his life to cancer. Cancer struck once again in 2012 taking my long time friend, Greta Thomas. In 2015, my long time co-worker Colleen Donahue lost her battle with cancer. In 2022 I lost my very good friend of 25 years, Art Purkis to sarcoma. .And, in 2023, my sister-in-law, Mazinha Bailey began her battle with cancer that continues today. Cancer struck once again when in 2024 when my long-time friend, Dave Morin was diagnosed with cancer, a battle he continues today.

Please give.