Dear Family and Friends,

The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is an annual bike-a-thon that raises more money for cancer research and patient care at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute than any other single philanthropic fundraising event in the country. In 2024, the Pan-Mass Challenge crossed a monumental $1 billion in cumulative fundraising for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This success is the result of thousands of people riding each year with the goal of “getting closer by the mile” to curing cancer. And because every penny matters, 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar goes to Dana-Farber. With the recent decrease in government funding for cancer research and patient care programs, the need for increased philanthropy could not be greater!

This year, I have made a personal commitment to ride PMC 2025 and raise $15,000 to honor the life and memory of our son Felipe and our friend Lilly. Please view my profile gallery to see photos and consider making a donation of any size to support my ride and fundraising efforts. Seventy-five percent of your donation will support Dr. Demetri’s Sarcoma Research Fund and twenty-five percent will support Dr. Jänne's Mesothelioma Research Fund.

To further demonstrate our family’s commitment to this cause, we have developed an exciting fundraising challenge. Jose, Guida and I will personally match every donation made to my ride during the month of May, up to a total of $1,000. We hope you will join us. In addition to knowing that your donation will be doubled, you will receive our deepest appreciation!

On October 20, 2019, our beloved Felipe’s passing at 35 years young shattered our lives. Despite having undergone an above the knee amputation, infusion chemotherapy and radiation, Felipe lost his 5-year battle to biphasic synovial sarcoma (a rare soft tissue cancer). Sarcomas, of many types, are very aggressive and currently almost impossible to successfully treat. Every year that passes, I am determined to ride, while my husband Jose volunteers with the PMC.

On Saturday, August 02, 2025, I am riding an 85-mile supported route from Wellesley to Bourne on Team Sarcoma Cycling Brigade. Since my first PMC ride in 2021, I have raised $41,621 in cumulative funding! Jose will again volunteer at Bourne’s Mass Maritime finish line with others on our team whose lives have been impacted by the loss of a family member or friend to Sarcoma.

Please help us support sarcoma and mesothelioma research, awareness, early detection, patient care, and innovative treatments for longevity of life for all those afflicted by these terrible diseases!

Additionally, you can find all the ways to give at: pmc.org/ways-to-give

•IRA Donations •Check •Matching Gift

Warmly, Marianne & Jose

With a donation of $50 or more, you can save on any new or existing Massachusetts MAPFRE Insurance auto policy. Once you donate, just forward your receipt to your insurance provider who can take it from there.