Family and Friends,

This would have been my 11th live PMC! As many of you know, my sister Lissa passed away in January 2010 after a 2 year battle with Lung Cancer. I ride in her memory with my brother in-law Jon and the LungStrong Team.

It has been a different year for everybody, many things have happened in this world. An 11-year tradition for me, riding the Pan-Mass Challenge, will not occur in its typical fashion.

My team, LUNGStrong, is still a team and is still actively raising money for lung cancer research (Lung cancer patients are at heightened risk for COVID complications). I have procrastinated writing this note understanding that so many people have been affected by this pandemic, and financial situations may have changed. Also understanding that there are so many local organizations/businesses who may require our financial assistance given that so many have lost their jobs and health insurance. In addition, given the state of our nation, there are many other organizations that require assistance and support.

I WILL be signed up for the Pan-Mass Challenge again next year and I WILL be sending out an email.

I also understand that cancer is not going away, patients still require treatment and funding is still required at Dana-Farber. Pan-Mass and LUNGStrong have still created our Jersey and I will ride in some capacity however probably not organized over the course of 192 miles as I usually do on the first weekend of August. - but joining a group of LUNGStrong riders for a century ride.

If this is an important cause to you and you would like to donate I have included the link - and you can donate via VENMO now!

This group has been so loyal and dedicated help me reach my goal every year, and allow me that privilege to ride Provincetown. Thank you for that, I am forever grateful.

I will be riding next year, hopefully altogether with my 6000 PMC friends -powering through Massachusetts, riding the head wind into Provincetown… May be I will even convince 1 of my family members to join me again next year!

Stay Safe,

Ben