PLEASE HELP ME CONQUER CANCER. For the 3rd year in a row, I'm riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge, an annual bike-a-thon in early August that raises money for cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I will be riding for 2 days from Sturbridge, MA to Provincetown (almost 200 miles). In the last 5 years, more than half of all FDA-approved cancer drugs were developed by Dana-Farber investigators and researchers! All cancer patients benefit from the research and discovery performed at leading cancer centers like Dana-Farber.

Why I ride? I continue to ride for my father-in-law, Dr. Rudy Favocci, who died from complications relating to treatment of cancer, and my family and friends that have suffered from cancer. This year is especially meaningful. Over the last year, I lost three friends to cancer, including my former roomate from sub school, Doug Kush and my ski buddy, Andy Citron, who each died from an aggressive form of brain cancer. I'm also riding for my Shipmate and former roommate Jeff Sheedy who is undergoing treatment.

I've logged over 3,500 miles in 2024 in preparation for the ride, with over 600 miles since July 1st. I draw strength from everyone going through cancer treatment. Thanks to a $1500 matching contribution from my employer, BD, I've already raised $3000 towards my goal of $10,000 for cancer research (UPDATE: I reached my original goal and hoping to far exceed it with your help - new stretch goal is $17500)

The PMC raises more money for charity than any other single event in the country, and just crossed a monumental $1 billion in cumulative fundraising for Dana-Farber. The PMC founder said it nicely – the ride is about the “Aspiration of a world without cancer.”

I’d be honored if you’d like to join me this year in donating to this great cause.

Thank you.

Joe