On August 2nd, I will cycle the Pan-Mass Challenge for a second time. Funds raised throught this effort will support the Jimmy Fund and promote the Dana-Farber Cancer Insititute's work in the research and treatment of cancerous disease. This is a worthwhile cause that will benefit many throughout New England. I would appreciate donations of any size, and contributions can easily made following the instructions below.

You may wonder why a 72 year-old would ride a bike the 84 miles from Wellesley to Bourne, Mass on a hot summer day? As always, I enjoy the physical challenge and commeraderie among a dedicated team of riders. More important, however, is the overriding goal raising funds for ground-breaking cancer research conducted at Dana-Farber. It is motivation enough for me to know that Dana-Farber has been instrumental in treating people that I have known and loved when afflicted with this devastating disease.

Teamwork is a crucial element in successful cancer treatment, and that is equally the case in riding the PMC. I am fortunate to be part of the Peregrine Pedalers riding group. This spirited and highly-motivated team is dedicated to making a meaningful contribution to cancer research based upon Dana-Farmers tireless efforts in treating Eleanor Robinson, wife/mother to several riders, and an inspiration to the entire team. Based on their enthusiastic efforts, the Peregrine Pedalers have achieved outsized results: Last year they raised over $60,000 for Dr. Janne's lab; and over time, their fundraising has exceeded $400,000.

Over the five years Eleanor battled non-smoker's lung cancer, her treatment was directed by Dr. Psai Janne - who with doctors, researchers, and staff at Dana-Farber's Thoracic-Oncology Department - provided expert care that extended her life far beyond what thought possible. Through a partnership with PMC, all funds raised by the Peregrine Pedalers will go directly to Dr. Janne's Non-Smoker's Small Cell Cancer Research Lab (http://jannelab.org/).

Eleanor Robinson was a mentally and physically vital woman who succumbed to non-smoker's lung cancer. Her example reminds us that - no matter how healthy today - we ignore the risk of cancer at our peril. PMC may be a ‘charity ride' designed to help those currently undergoing cancer treatment. However, the medical research that it funds may provide benefits to both our families and ourselves in the future.

Living in Northern Vermont, I appreciate the crucial resource Dana Farber represents for small hospitals in rural New England. Cancer is a complicated disease which requires medical staff with substantial expertise and experience. Successful treatment often exceeds the capabilities of our rural hospitals, and many difficult cases are referred to Dana-Farber. Even when Dana-Farber does not assume full-time treatment of a patient, the ability of a rural hospital to collaborate with them in difficult cases often allows patients to remain in their local communities and garner support from friends and family during treatment. I witnessed this first-hand when Southern Vermont Hospital and Dana-Farber collaborated in treating a dear friend battling multiple myeloma.

I committed to raise $4,000 as part of the Pan-Mass Challenge. Your support for this effort in the fight against cancer is just what I need to make it happen. Any amount you would feel comfortable contributing would be much appreciated.

For more details, you can visit my fundraising page at http://profile.pmc.org/GS0220.

To donate, please visit: http://profile.pmc.org/GS0220

For personal checks please make payable to the Pan Mass Challenge and send to: George (Ged) Smith; 217 Brook Rd; Stowe, VT 05672