For the past 20 years, I and my teammates on Phil’s Phriends have called upon our friends such as you to help in the fight to find a cure for cancer. In the midst of a pandemic, you graciously stepped up to the plate and helped raise over $64 million for the fight against cancer in 2021. Since 2003, our team has raised over $1.6 million. And since 1980, you have helped raise a total $767 million that went to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for cancer research and treatment.
With the 2022 ride, I am again seeking your assistance. Too many of our dear friends and relatives have been stricken by cancer and there is still much work to be done. And I learned firsthand of the importance of this work in May of this year when I was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma. Because of advances in medicine, funded by your donations, surgery was performed, the disease removed, and I am ready to roll in August.
Riding in and supporting the PanMass Challenge is a meaningful way to honor and memorialize our friends. We are thousands of cyclists who call upon our strength to help others. We channel physical, mental and emotional energy into something much greater than the athletic accomplishment that is gained by riding up to 192 miles. We help Dana-Farber's clinicians and researchers learn more about cancer and its causes, and to develop new, increasingly effective treatments for this deadly disease.
In the past 19 years, I have learned too many dear friends, relatives, and colleages who were diagnosed with cancer (breast, lung, thyroid, and colon). Several lost their lives to the disease. Watching these giants taken by the disease so quickly reminded me that there is still much work to be done to eradicate this disease.
When they first told me they had cancer, I was struck with disbelief. However, when the magnitude of their illness truly sank in, the feeling turned to helplessness. I often wondered what I could do to help them overcome cancer. While their strength was being taken, I struggled for the appropriate words to say, and actions to take. Riding in the PanMass Challenge is a meaningful way to honor and memorialize them. It is one small step in the direction of finding a cure and eradicating cancer and we are a unified force of people made whole by the belief in a single mission that has the ability to improve the human condition.
The PMC, which began in 1980, is the nation's oldest and most successful bicycling fundraising event and shows what the determination of each individual can do. The event has been instrumental in helping Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's clinicians and researchers learn more about cancer and its causes, and to develop new, increasingly effective treatments for this deadly disease. The Jimmy Fund is a principal fundraising arm of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Named for one of Dr. Farber's young patients, the Jimmy Fund is widely regarded as New England's favorite charity with individual and corporate supporters throughout the country. Corporate sponsorship and a vast volunteer network enable the Jimmy Fund to keep operating costs to a minimum.
Your tax-deductible check can be made payable to PMC/Jimmy Fund. I will be happy to pick up donations or you can mail them to me at my home address. One of the easiest and quickest ways for you to contribute is to make an eGift. Simply click the Donate button on this page and it will walk you through the process.
Thank you for you help.
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Phil's Phriends Team
State House page
Roy Law
