Why I Ride

I’m riding the Pan-Mass Challenge with the support of family and friends to raise funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I ride to support the lifesaving work they do—and for the people in my life who have faced cancer with strength and grace.

I’ve ridden the PMC for 22 years, but last year’s ride was very different. Just days away from surgery for newly diagnosed ovarian cancer, Maureen—like a sister to me—trekked to the Wellfleet Water Stop to cheer me on, like she has every year. That’s who she is: stoic, selfless, a caretaker to the core.

She faced chemo with that same quiet strength—and today, she is cancer free. And PMC 2025? I will grind up those Wellfleet hills to see her and the sign again. Grateful beyond words.

Pan-Mass Challenge

The PMC raises more money for charity than any other single event in the world.

What sets PMC apart from other fundraisers is 100 percent of your donation goes directly to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The research and protocols funded by your support are rolled out to hospitals around the world.

Since I started this journey in 2003, I rode in celebration of our survivors and in memory of those we lost. Please join me and donate to PMC.

PMC Supporters

PMC support from my friends and family is over the top. My brother, Joe and my friends, Maureen and Sheila, make PMC very special from their extremely generous donations to the Sign to the after-party. Thank you and everyone who has sponsored and for the encouragement to keep riding.

Why I started riding PMC

I signed up for PMC in 2003, because I was looking for a charity that could help people who were really sick and who heard way too soon, I am sorry, but there is nothing we can do.

At that time, my Dad was in the late stages of early onset Alzheimer's Disease. Why not support an Alzheimer's fundraiser?

The practical reason was 100% of PMC funds go directly to the cancer research - most efficient charitable fundraising event in the world.

The emotional reason was there was zero hope to cure Alzheimer's. Not only did I take comfort in the company of fellow PMC bike riders who too were struggling with loss - but, could live vicariously through their hope. People survive cancer. The more money we raise, the more riders we recruit, the longer route we ride - it all maps to realizable results - more and more people surviving cancer.

In Memory of Rich Hassler and Erica Leafquist

On joining Team Dassault, I met Eric Leafquist with whom I shared many, many PMC miles. Eric is Dad of Erica, a talented and prolific artist - also a very famous artist with her work on permanent display at Fenway Park. While cancer took Erica’s life in 2013, it did not take the power from her and her art to move us.

In 2019, we lost Rich Hassler, passionate PMC supporter and rider, to brain cancer. Thank you, Rich, for countless memories, laughs and inspiration. Your memory will be with us always and forever - especially on this PMC weekend as we climb the hill to the Beachcomber.

Thank You
Linda
lindasmith@cerescom.net
781-608-6143

Links to My Sponsors

Morgan Stanley - Eric Fantegrossi, Financial Advisor & Senior Portfolio Management Director

HoustonHogle, LLP Intellectual Property Law

Sonoplot, Inc.

Blue Wave Marketing & Promotions

Gradient Lens Corporation

VIAVI - RPC Photonics

PowerPhotonic Ltd.

Gennari Aronaon, LLP

Avery Design Solutions

Ceres Technology Advisors

Method Advisors

Autovision

Team Photon Raising $20K in Pan Mass Challenge