To my family, friends and colleagues,

I just committed to my 8th Pan-Mass Challenge ride since 1991 and to raising $15,000.00 for cancer research.

On the first weekend in August, I will join thousands of cyclists in the Pan-Mass Challenge or PMC, an annual bike-a-thon that raises money for research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) in Boston. To date, thanks to your amazing generosity, you and I have raised over $50,000.

I turn 75 this year and this may very well be my last run at this. Two years ago, my previus PMC, I had to endure over 3 hour of riding in 103 degree heat. It was tough, but it was worth it! I am already well into my 500+ miles of training for this year's ride!

This year, more than ever, I need your support.. President Trump’s has proposed a 40% cut to the NIH budget, billions of which will impact the well-being of us all. The negative impact to Dana-Farber alone could be$50 million, and as much as a $200 million over the next four years. NIH grants fuel the science that saves lives. These funds do not sit in an endowment, they’re at work in the labs and clinics at Dana-Farber. Losing those funds and/or the people who utilize them, means stalling progress, risking jobs and slowing the momentum in our fight against cancer. This is not politics. This is personal. With federal support under attack, patients are the ones who pay the price. .

I hope I can count on your support!

The PMC raises more money for charity than any other single event in the country - more than $1 billion since 1980 and a record $75 million in 2024 alone! This success is the result of a lot of people riding for and caring about a cure. And because every dollar matters, 100 percent of your donation goes to Dana-Farber.

Be as generous as you can for this great cause. Literally 100% of your contribution goes to research. Thank you for your support!

Warm regards,

Donny Askin