“The PMC is a fundraiser first and a bike ride second.” – Billy Starr, Founder and Executive Director

This is my second year being part of the Pan-Mass Challenge, and while this year looks different than I had imagined, my commitment to the mission remains stronger than ever. I’m honored to invite you to join me in supporting groundbreaking cancer research through the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. As always, 100% of every rider-raised dollar goes directly toward this critical work.

After a successful winter of training and registering to ride the original Sturbridge to Provincetown route, life took an unexpected turn on March 7. While running lunchtime errands, my car was struck by a 2,200-pound tree—ripping off the back half of my Honda Pilot. The result was a burst fracture to my L2 vertebrae and ruptured spinal ligaments. I underwent emergency spinal fusion surgery, and by the grace of God, I’m expected to make a full recovery. The many “what ifs” of that day didn’t come to pass, and for that, I’m beyond grateful.

Unfortunately, this means I won’t be able to ride in the 2025 PMC as planned. But as Billy Starr reminds us, this event is a fundraiser first, and I remain 100% committed to the fundraising goal I set for this year. I am also committed to being heavily involved in the PMC weekend by volunteering my time. Also, as a proud member of Team Lick Cancer I will continue to partner with the team in the months leading up to Pan Mass weekend. My physicians are hopeful that I will be able to resume stationary cycling within the next several months, so as I heal and resume cycling within the comfort of my own home, I will develop a goal of my own for PanMass weekend. This is TBD based on my recovery progress.

My motivation for being involved in the PMC is deeply personal. In 2023, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent a radical prostatectomy. Two years later, I'm fortunate to share that I remain cancer free. That journey was one of the most challenging chapters of my life, and I am thankful every day to be a living example of the progress we've made in the fight against cancer.

But my PMC story isn’t just about me. It’s about the incredible strides we've made in cancer research and the urgent need to keep pushing forward. Since 1992, prostate cancer survival rates have improved by 50%—progress made possible by the tireless research and innovation at leading institutions like Dana-Farber.

By supporting my PMC fundraiser, you’re not just backing one person’s journey—you’re investing in a future where cancer is no longer a life-threatening diagnosis. Your generosity honors those we've lost, those still fighting, and those who’ve survived.

I may not be on the bike this August, but I ride in spirit—and I’m proud to be part of this community working toward a world without cancer.

Thank you so much for your support.

- Matt

Team Lick Cancer