Dear Friends and Family,

Once again this summer, I’ll be participating in the Pan-Mass Challenge to raise money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Although this year’s event will take on a different format than in previous years, from the virtual opening ceremony to riders choosing their own routes, it’s needed now more than ever. With the focus on COVID-19 over the past few months, it’s important to remember that the fight against cancer can’t let up. For those battling cancer, it’s even that much more difficult this year, as they are forced to do it alone at times, not having the support of friends and family who could be with them in the hospital. As Dana Farber’s single largest contributor, generating 57% of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue, the PMC is especially relied upon in these uncertain times.

I’ll still be riding this year on August 2nd during PMC week-end, but instead of the planned route from Babson College to Gillette Stadium, I’ll do the same distance through the towns around Sudbury. It also happens to be a perfect way to spend my birthday!

As a member of the Patriots Platelet Pedalers Team, my fundraising will support the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center. They primarily focus on Multiple Myeloma research, but also many other programs within Dana Farber, including Pancreatic Cancer and Pediatric Oncology, where my donations have been directed in the past.

As always, I’ll be riding in memory of my Grammy, Barbara Strachman. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since she’s been gone, but I still have many memories of great times with her including her being with me as I tried out my first bike. Before dying, she said that she hoped that volunteering and charity would always be a part of my life. I’ve tried to honor that wish by participating in a PMC event every year, starting with the Kids rides, moving on to the official ride where I was the youngest of the 6000+ participants in my first year, to this year’s reworked event. Even while she was battling cancer, she always seemed more interested in others who were also fighting the same battle. So in that spirit, I’d also like to dedicate this year’s ride to my cousin, Danielle, who’s currently going through treatment at Dana Farber.

If you'd like to support my ride, please follow this link to donate on-line: https://egifts.pmc.org/AS0407

If you prefer to write a check, please make it out to PMC-The Jimmy Fund and mail it directly to me at:

Alex Strachman
4 Scotts Wood Dr
Sudbury, MA 01776

If your employer has a matching gift program, ask your Human Resources department for a form, and follow the process for matches.

To learn more about the PMC, please visit pmc.org.

Thanks so much for your generosity and helping with this important cause.

Alex