Dear Family and Friends,
It was 1996 when I rode in my first Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) and although I had grown up riding my bike and continued doing so as I got older, I thought that riding only 10 miles was challenging. Then it happened, my brother Mark who had been fighting Ewing Sarcoma for 2 ½ years lost his battle and passed away. It was then that I decided to participate in my first PMC as a way to deal with the loss, heal and give back to Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Riding in the PMC has been life changing and part of my life as I have been signing up on the first day of registration every year without hesitation.
In my early years of participating in the PMC my family would meet me at the finish and watch me complete the two-day 192-mile ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown. It was after one of those finishes that my daughter Melanie said one day I am going to ride with you. I always replied hopefully there will be a cure by the time you can ride, and you will never have to. Well, here we are 30 years later, and the dreaded disease of Cancer is still here taking the lives of our friends and loved ones. Melanie has been volunteering for the PMC since she was 16 years old and this year for my 30th ride she will be riding alongside me.
This year’s PMC is August 2nd and 3rd, and not only will I be riding in memory of my father, brother, and my good friend Jack who passed away last November I will also be riding for many other friends who have lost their battle over the last 29 years. I will also be riding in honor of all my friends who are currently battling cancer, their strength empowers me over the PMC weekend.
I have been committed to continuing riding in the PMC for the last 30 years because it provides the largest source of revenue to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Last year the PMC donated $75 million, which represents 66% of the Jimmy Funds revenue. In 2024 the PMC reach the $1 Billion mark, and I am proud to say that I have raised over $188,000.00 towards that during my 29 years of riding. These funds raised have gone towards research ranging from Pediatric Oncology, Sarcoma and Bone Cancers, Immuno-Oncology to Pancreatic Cancer. My PMC team “Erica’s Entourage” earmarks our funds to Pancreatic Cancer lead by Dr Brian Wolpin.
Each year upon signing up for the PMC two-day 192-mile ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown I commit to raising $6000.00, but each of the last 3 years with your support I have broken the $10,000.00 mark. For my 30th year riding I am asking you to help me reach $11,500.00.
Thank you,
Jeff
