So yes, we ride to raise money. But as importantly, we ride to protect progress. We ride to defend hope. And we ride to ensure that nothing—and no one—stands in the way of our funding the cures for cancer.

Those words from PMC founder, Billy Starr sum up why I am committed to raising money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC).Too many people in my life and those who support my ride have been touched by cancer. I began supporting the PMC 23 years ago to honor my sister-in-law Chris who died from pancreatic cancer in 2002. She will forever be an inspiration to me. I have since lost several family members while others close to me are fighting their own battles. Thankfully, several count themselves as survivors.

On August 2 and 3,thousands of riders will pedal nearly 200 miles to support the PMC and its mission to fund cancer research at Dana Farber. I am asking you to join me by donating to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund. Because of so many generous contributions over the years, I’ve raised over $168,000. 100% of your donation goes to directly to Dana Farber to help ensure that life-saving research and treatments continue. The PMC’s impact on enabling that success is evident in the fact that we have raised over $1 BILLION since 1980

If you like, please include the name of someone that you wish to dedicate my ride to. I will place their name on the top tube of my bike. They too will be my companions on the road—their feet are on my pedals—they are my heroes.
When PMC began in 1980, less than 5 million people in the United States survived their fight with cancer. This year that number is over 18 million! In the last 5 years Dana-Farber has provided more than half of all cancer drugs approved by the FDA. Cancer will not be cured overnight. However, I am committed to getting closer by mile every year I ride and with your help, we will arrive there together.

Thank you!

Mark