My calendar says it is July which, depending on what stage of life you are in, could mean a few different things. For me, it is a clear indication that I am well behind in my training for yet another Pan-Mass Challenge. This August will be my 22nd consecutive summer of participating in this remarkable cycling event across Massachusetts. You may be asking, what makes this year’s PMC different from the prior years, three things come to mind.

1) My co-founding teammate is back from his extended ex-pat adventure in Singapore and will be joining me in person for the first time in five years.

2) For the first time since the summer of 2014, both of my children will be home that weekend (I’m so old both my kids are done with camp). They don’t ride (yet) but it will be a treat to see them both at the lunch stop on day 1.

3) This year the PMC will also cross $1 billion dollars of fundraising for cancer research since the first ride in 1980.

The goal of the PMC, to find a cure for cancer, is a lofty one. While I enjoy (really) participating in this event every summer – I would be even more delighted if cancer was in the rearview mirror and the ride was no longer needed. However, despite the enormous progress that has been made, cancer still exists.

So once again I ask for your support. Please help the wonderful people at Dana Farber as they work toward the ultimate goal of ridding the world of cancer. To learn more about the PMC you can visit their site at www.pmc.org you can also visit www.dana-farber.org to read about the incredible work they do.

The easiest way to donate is by clicking on this link: http://pmc.org/egifts/BL0072 and using a credit card. If you prefer, you may write a check, payable to: PMC Jimmy Fund, and mail it to me at:

14 Rockridge Road; Natick, MA 01760

Many thanks,

Benj