August 21, 2025

Hello Friends and Family -
It's hard to believe that nearly 3 weeks have passed since completing my 23rd PMC! Summer has a way of making time fly, doesn't it?

The weather was absolutely perfect, mid 70s and sunny, low humidity. And while there were some changes to the course and water stops along the way, the atmosphere and camaraderie remained overwhelmingly positive, cheerful and encouraging! It is an amazing event -- over 3,700 volunteers dedicated their weekend supporting the 6,000 riders passing through 43 towns. So far this year, the PMC has raised $63 million on its $76 million goal. As a reminder, 100% of your donations go directly to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Thanks to your support, I've surpassed my fundraising goal of $10,000 and will appreciatively match all donations. If you'd like to donate, please do so using this link -- https://profile.pmc.org/JD0172. You will find information on how to donate via Venmo and DAF there as well.

This year, our daughter Ellie joined the Setucket Fanatics (Nikole, Jarod, Everett, Belkis, Katie, Sophie, Sam, Bert, and Stacey) in Dennis to cheer on good friends and fellow riders Josh Gustafson, David Vallance, and I on Day 2 (photo below). Josh, Dave, and I rode most of Day 2 and finished in Provincetown, each of us with our own deeply personal motivations to complete this ride. A huge THANK YOU to Nikole and family for all that you do to make this weekend memorable and to all of you for your words of support.

Enjoy the rest of the summer, it goes by way too fast!

Warmest regards,

Jerome
Closer by the Mile
Go Kiddo, Go! Go! Go!

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July 30, 2025

Hello Friends and Family --

This Saturday and Sunday, I'll be participating in my 23rd Pan-Mass Challenge, a 2-day charity bike ride that has raised over $1B for cancer research since 1980.

The forecast for this weekend is looking perfect for the ride. I'll leave home by 5:30 in the morning on Saturday, riding before sunrise to Babson College in Wellesley, MA. The 10 mile, 40 minute ride before the start is one of my favorite moments of the weekend. It serves as a peaceful time of reflection and focus for the effort ahead.

Over the weekend, 6,000 riders supported by over 3,000 volunteers will ride 12 different routes throughout Massachusetts. The goal is to raise $76M this year, a huge goal. But this organization has proven that big goals are an inspiration. As always, 100% of the rider-raised donations will go directly to Dana-Farber cancer research. The PMC is Dana-Farber’s single largest supporter and is 66 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue.

This weekend is a time of celebration. While many have lost their battle with cancer, thankfully most will not. A lot of that has to do with the work of Dana-Farber and the funding that you have helped me raise. Over the last 23 years, you've donated nearly $180,000 to support this ride. Thank you so very much.

If you would like to donate to the cause, the easiest way to do so is through this link: https://profile.pmc.org/JD0172. If you can make a donation, I will match it. If you aren't in a position to donate this year, please let me know and I will contribute on your behalf.

I am lucky to be surrounded by supportive family and friends. Special thanks to Josh and Katie Gustafson who make it memorable every year, my brother Bert who is joining us again this year, and the Roome-Torres-Dubois contingent who go ALL OUT to pump up the riders between the Barnstable and Brewster water stops. Nikole, I truly could not do this without you!

I will send one more email after the ride later in August.

Wishing you all the best for the last few weeks of summer!

Warmly,
Jerome

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June 30, 2025

Hello Family and Friends --

I hope this email finds you and yours doing well! On this last day of June and the beginning of 4th of July week, I find myself reflecting on a cause that means so much to my family, while soliciting your support.

This is the 23rd year in a row that I have chosen to participate in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC). In its 45 year history, the PMC has raised over $1 billion for research to fight cancer. Last year, over 6,800 riders from 43 states and 12 countries participated in the event, raising over $75M, and was responsible for 2/3 of the Jimmy Fund's annual budget. Once again, 100% of every rider-raised dollar goes directly to the Jimmy Fund. To say those numbers are impactful is a significant understatement.

With your help, I raised over $20,000 in 2024 and over $170,000 since I did my first ride in 2003. Beyond the monetary support, what is really special are the messages I receive from you via email, text, cards, and calls. When I sit down and reflect on my PMC experiences, it's your support that helps me more than you know.

This year, I'll be completing the 2-day, 160 mile ride on August 2-3rd. If you would like to donate to the cause, the easiest way to do so is through this link: https://profile.pmc.org/JD0172. If you can make a donation, I will match it. If you aren't in a position to donate this year, please let me know and I will contribute on your behalf.

A huge thank you to my ever supportive family, who make this into such an unforgettable weekend every year.

I will send two more emails, one before the ride in July and a recap after the ride in August.

Wishing you all the best for the summer months ahead.

Warmly,
Jerome