This will be the tenth straight year Team Kevin Fitz will be riding in the Pan Mass Challenge, and I am lucky enough to come back as an alumni for my third year! The Pan Mass Challenge is a 192 mile bike ride across the state of Massachusetts that raises money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The PMC raises more money for charity than any other single event in the country!
Team Kevin Fitz started with friends and family riding in honor of Kevin Fitzgerald - father, friend and mentor. Though I did not know Kevin personally, I know some of his family and friends and the amazing role and influence he played in their lives, as well as on the city of Boston, my home for the past 7 years. Over the past ten years, the team has grown to include friends of friends, all riding for the same cause. We ride in honor and in memory of our own loved ones who fought Cancer and lost their lives, for those who became survivors, and for those who continue to fight.
WHY do I RIDE?
The PMC experience is unexplainable: from the training and fundraising, to the day of the race, and everything in-between. Throughout the entire experience I felt love, support, and honesty. I heard incredible stories, met influential people, and had great conversations with the amazing volunteers. I remember looking up at the large hill I was about to take on, and seeing a young boy next to me with a sign that read “I’m 11 years old because of you!” That hill suddenly seemed small, the obstacle I was about to face was nothing in comparison to what this young child has already faced in his lifetime. I was flooded with emotion and determination. Along the ride you are surrounded by individuals who have lost someone to cancer, have a loved one battling cancer, or are a survivor themselves! You can find these strong individuals on the side line cheering you on, at a rest station refueling you with snacks and drinks, at the finish line waiting to see you cross, or riding right beside you. Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone is there to keep each other positive. And THAT is why I am excited to start my journey as an alumni this year on the powerful Team Kevin Fitz!
I ride in honor of my beautiful strong mother, who spent a year battling Breast Cancer and Melanoma. This year, we are happy to say she is Cancer free! We wouldn’t have gotten where we are today without the help of everyone’s generous donations, as well as their love and support.
I share our story so people can understand that every dollar donated counts. Each dollar will help build advanced technology to identify and diagnose earlier. The money can be used to find better treatment that can stop growth, spread, and recurrence. And lastly, the money will be used to help create an environment that is comforting and supportive for those who have to deal with this terrible disease. The most amazing part about donating to the Pan-Mass Challenge: 100% of rider-raised revenue will go directly to the Jimmy Fund!
In the past year, our team members lost two more loved ones to Cancer. We lost an amazing father – Leo Rusk, and grandfather - Dr. Phillip Ferro. We are determined to put an end to this terrible disease! The Fitzgerald’s and the Rusk’s - the families that brought this team together, are my inspiration. Their strength and positivity is what keeps everyone moving. I too ride in memory of my Aunt Janet and my Grandfather whom I was never lucky enough to meet. I ride to raise money in an effort to save more lives.
Please consider helping us contribute to the tireless efforts of the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - every dollar counts.
If you prefer to write a check, please make it out to the PMC, The Jimmy Fund or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and mail it to me directly (please contact me for my address if you do not already have it).
Please ask your Human Resources department if they have a matching gift program and follow their process for a matching donation. Your donation is tax deductible and 100% will go to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. To learn more about the Pan-Mass Challenge, please visit www.pmc.org.
Please feel free to share your story with me, and I will ride for you and your family as well.
Wishing you and your family happiness and health.
This will be the tenth straight year Team Kevin Fitz will be riding in the Pan Mass Challenge, and I am lucky enough to come back as an alumni for my third year! The Pan Mass Challenge is a 192 mile bike ride across the state of Massachusetts that raises money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The PMC raises more money for charity than any other single event in the country!
Team Kevin Fitz started with friends and family riding in honor of Kevin Fitzgerald - father, friend and mentor. Though I did not know Kevin personally, I know some of his family and friends and the amazing role and influence he played in their lives, as well as on the city of Boston, my home for the past 7 years. Over the past ten years, the team has grown to include friends of friends, all riding for the same cause. We ride in honor and in memory of our own loved ones who fought Cancer and lost their lives, for those who became survivors, and for those who continue to fight.
WHY do I RIDE?
The PMC experience is unexplainable: from the training and fundraising, to the day of the race, and everything in-between. Throughout the entire experience I felt love, support, and honesty. I heard incredible stories, met influential people, and had great conversations with the amazing volunteers. I remember looking up at the large hill I was about to take on, and seeing a young boy next to me with a sign that read “I’m 11 years old because of you!” That hill suddenly seemed small, the obstacle I was about to face was nothing in comparison to what this young child has already faced in his lifetime. I was flooded with emotion and determination. Along the ride you are surrounded by individuals who have lost someone to cancer, have a loved one battling cancer, or are a survivor themselves! You can find these strong individuals on the side line cheering you on, at a rest station refueling you with snacks and drinks, at the finish line waiting to see you cross, or riding right beside you. Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone is there to keep each other positive. And THAT is why I am excited to start my journey as an alumni this year on the powerful Team Kevin Fitz!
I ride in honor of my beautiful strong mother, who spent a year battling Breast Cancer and Melanoma. This year, we are happy to say she is Cancer free! We wouldn’t have gotten where we are today without the help of everyone’s generous donations, as well as their love and support.
I share our story so people can understand that every dollar donated counts. Each dollar will help build advanced technology to identify and diagnose earlier. The money can be used to find better treatment that can stop growth, spread, and recurrence. And lastly, the money will be used to help create an environment that is comforting and supportive for those who have to deal with this terrible disease. The most amazing part about donating to the Pan-Mass Challenge: 100% of rider-raised revenue will go directly to the Jimmy Fund!
In the past year, our team members lost two more loved ones to Cancer. We lost an amazing father – Leo Rusk, and grandfather - Dr. Phillip Ferro. We are determined to put an end to this terrible disease! The Fitzgerald’s and the Rusk’s - the families that brought this team together, are my inspiration. Their strength and positivity is what keeps everyone moving. I too ride in memory of my Aunt Janet and my Grandfather whom I was never lucky enough to meet. I ride to raise money in an effort to save more lives.
Please consider helping us contribute to the tireless efforts of the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - every dollar counts.
If you prefer to write a check, please make it out to the PMC, The Jimmy Fund or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and mail it to me directly (please contact me for my address if you do not already have it).
Please ask your Human Resources department if they have a matching gift program and follow their process for a matching donation. Your donation is tax deductible and 100% will go to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. To learn more about the Pan-Mass Challenge, please visit www.pmc.org.
Please feel free to share your story with me, and I will ride for you and your family as well.
Wishing you and your family happiness and health.
| 2019 | $25.00 | PMC Fundraiser |
| 2017 | $4,850.00 | Sturbridge to Provincetown Monument (2-Day) |
| 2016 | $4,500.00 | Sturbridge to Provincetown Monument (2-Day) |
| 2015 | $4,508.05 | Sturbridge to Provincetown Inn (2-Day) |
