Since 2017, my dad, Mark Fitzpatrick, has completed the PMC each year, and in 2024, my sister and I watched proudly as he completed it once again. That day, we made a promise — in 2025, we’d ride alongside him. (Though we probably won’t be at the same pace!)

Cancer has touched our family in deep and personal ways. In 2024, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thanks to incredible advancements in treatment and the amazing care she received, she’s doing well today — and we are so thankful.

But not every story ends that way. In 2023, my Uncle Billy and Cousin Liam lost their wife and mother to Glioblastoma, a devastating form of brain cancer. My Aunt Cindy fought with everything she had and they took care of her every day up until she passed.

And like so many others, I’ve seen this disease impact too many people I care about — and I know there will be more. That’s why I’m riding: to raise funds for cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

100% of every rider-raised dollar goes directly to Dana-Farber.

Every donation — no matter the amount — makes a difference. I am also riding as a member of Team Crank and all of the money that we raise will be matched by the Warren Alpert Foundation, up to a maximum of $750,000. Our 170 mile ride between August 2nd and 3rd will equally support two specific research funds at Dana-Farber: (1) Dr. Patrick Wen's Neuro-oncology/brain tumor research fund Center for Neuro-Oncology | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute so that future brain cancer patients have a fighting chance; and (2) The Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research Barr Program Research Advancements - Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (jimmyfund.org) which has led to numerous discoveries across a number of cancer types including blood, brain, breast, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, pediatric, and prostate cancers.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and support a cause that means so much to myself and many others!

With gratitude, 
Dan Fitzpatrick