17 Years of Pan Mass Challenge

Every August, I ride the PMC with the support of my family and friends to raise funds for Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

6,300 cyclists and 4,000 volunteers will raise $60million this year.

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.

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 for the encouragement to keep riding.

Team Dassault

In 2007, I joined Team SolidWorks (aka Team Dassault). Some of my fondest memories of training for PMC are with Rich Hassler and Adam Klein. We were very disciplined in our post-ride recovery nutrition - beers were our secret to refueling for the next ride. I ride with Team Dassault today, a team that is as extraordinarily well organized and supported as the PMC itself.

If you are interested in joining the team as a rider or volunteer, please do not hesitate to give me a call. It is an opportunity to channel energy into something much greater than the athletic accomplishment - it is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of millions.

The Erica Leafquist Fund

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. This year, all the funds you donate to my PMC ride will go to the Erica Leafquist Fund (ericaleafquist.org).

Team Photon

My early years were with fellow photon enthusiasts, Yvonne, Mark and Mark Hutcheson. Cancer really hit home for the team when our close friend, Harry Roberts, was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Harry nailed it and is cancer free today. I am thrilled to report Harry and I rode two PMC's together since.

Thank You

Thank you for your generosity. So, no one has to hear, I am sorry, but there is nothing we can do.

Linda
lindasmith@cerescom.net
781-608-6143

Links to My Corporate Sponsors

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

RPC Photonics, Inc.

Apollo Optical Systems, Inc.

HoustonHogle, LLP Intellectual Property Law

nPoint, Inc.

Gradient Lens Corporation

Cirtemo LLC

Richardson & Associates, Inc.

Avery Design Solutions

Ceres Technology Advisors

Method Advisors

Precision Asphere, Inc.

Autovision

Blue Wave Marketing & Promotions

Team Photon Raising $20K in Pan Mass Challenge