This summer, my father and I will be riding in our sixth consecutive Pan-Mass Challenge together. The last few years our rides have been part of the Pan-Mass Reimagined; first because of covid and last year because of the arrival of my son, Eagan Mulhern. While we look forward to a time when we can return to the traditional group ride across Massachusetts, we are excited to be participating in another reimagined ride with our growing family cheering us on.

Riding in the PMC has always been personal for me; seven years ago, when Dad told me he had prostate cancer, it felt like being punched in the gut. If detected early and appropriately treated, prostate cancer has a very high survival rate, but I was still pretty nervous. A PSA test (don’t forget about yours!) and operation has allowed my dad to continue living the active life he always has. We ride in the PMC to celebrate my father’s successful treatment but also in memory of my grandfather and namesake, Francis Arthur Mulhern, who died from pancreatic cancer five months before I was born. I would have loved the opportunity to meet him, and I’m sure he would have loved the chance to meet his grandchildren and two great-grandchildren (including another of his namesakes, Eddy’s son, Francis). Research and treatment have come so far since my grandfather died but still have a long way to go, which is why I keep riding and why I ask for your support.

The 2021 PMC Reimagined raised 64 million dollars. Within the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute the top five areas the money was allocated to were Pediatric Oncology, Longwood Center Research Labs, Hematologic Oncology, Emergency Response Fund and Precision Cancer Medicine. Remember that every dollar raised by riders goes directly to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Your donation makes a difference!