Hi everyone, my name is Anna Doherty, and I’m proud to share that this summer I’ll be riding in my fourth Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC). What started as a far-fetched idea four years ago—taking on a 110-mile ride—has turned into an annual tradition and one of the most meaningful parts of my year.

The PMC isn’t just a bike ride; it’s a movement of thousands of people coming together to raise funds for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. It’s the single largest fundraiser for Dana-Farber, and 100% of every rider-raised dollar goes directly to supporting life-saving treatments and groundbreaking research. Last year, the PMC reached an incredible milestone, surpassing $1 billion raised since its founding in 1980.

This year, I’ll be riding the Bourne to Provincetown route—a scenic 80 miles filled with community, inspiration, and reflection. My goal is to raise $6,000, and I hope my story will inspire you to support this cause that means so much to me.

Cancer has deeply affected my family and community, and my ‘why’ comes from the people I’ve loved and lost.

In 2020, my grandparents—Bubi and Bumper—passed away within two weeks of each other. Bubi was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma a year and a half earlier. Though she initially resisted treatment, the hope of seeing her grandchildren’s milestones convinced her to fight. The incredible doctors and nurses at Dana-Farber gave her the care and respect she deserved, helping her live life on her terms, even in the hardest moments.

Bumper, my grandfather, had been diagnosed with neuroendocrine colon cancer. His battle was much shorter, and after over 50 years of marriage, he couldn’t imagine life without Bubi. While losing them both so close together was devastating, I find comfort in knowing they’re together again, surrounded by the love they shared with all of us.

Growing up, summers on Cape Cod with Bubi and Bumper were everything to me. They were my biggest supporters, always reminding me how much they loved me. I still miss the texts from Bumper after every swim meet, telling me he was proud of me no matter the result, or Bubi teaching me to cook in the kitchen while we talked about life. These memories are my treasures, and there’s not a day that goes by when I don’t miss them.

I also ride for Cleo, a classmate who was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma when we were just 16. She had dreams of becoming a fashion designer, traveling the world, and experiencing all life had to offer. Cancer robbed her of that future, taking her far too soon. Watching someone my own age go through that was heartbreaking and unfair. No child should ever have their life stolen by cancer.

I ride for my Grammie, who battled breast cancer twice and showed me what true strength and resilience look like. She is a survivor and one of my biggest inspirations. And I ride for Coach Ev, my first swim coach, who shaped my love for the sport and made such an impact on my life. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer during my senior year of high school, and though I sent him messages of gratitude and love, I didn’t get the chance to thank him in person before he passed away.

These people are my ‘why.’

Losing my grandparents, Cleo, and Coach Ev to cancer, and seeing the impact it’s had on others, has shown me how much work still needs to be done. It’s infuriating to know that in many cases, cancer treatment still isn’t a guarantee of survival. But it’s also inspiring to see the strides that research has made. Dana-Farber’s work gave my family precious time with Bubi and Bumper, time I’ll always be grateful for.

Every dollar raised through the PMC is another step closer to a world where we don’t have to lose loved ones to cancer. This ride allows me to do something bigger than myself—to honor the people I’ve lost, to fight for those still battling, and to support the hope that one day, no one will face this disease.

I know the donation ask is a big one, but I hope that after reading my story, you’ll consider giving even a dollar to this cause. Whether you donate, share my story, or cheer me on, every little bit helps. Together, we can make a difference and bring us closer to a cure.

Bubi, Bumper, Cleo, and so many others are my ‘why.’ I ride for them. I ride with hope.

Thank you for your support—it truly means the world to me.

#PMC2025 #WhyIRide #CloserByTheMile #ForDanaFarber