This is my second-year riding in the Pan Mass, last year I participated in my first ride, well exceeded my fundraising goal and made some memories that will certainly last a lifetime. This year I’ve decided to take on the full ride and on August 2-3 I will be riding my bike 183 miles from Sturbridge to Provincetown.

I am riding in memory of my grandfather, or Pop as we called him. For over 13 years Pop lived with cancer, yet you would never know it. He went through all his treatments with unwavering determination and confidence taking each day as it came and living his life to the fullest despite the cancer. He traveled the world, avidly played golf, went fishing and was there for countless family memories. In November of 2023 he found out the cancer in his bladder had metastasized to his lungs. He went to dialysis three times a week, and had his lung drained weekly. On September 7th, 2024, Pop passed away. Throughout his life all the way until the end he showed what it means to truly live, did it his way, and inspired me and so many others along the way.

The treatments that Pop received throughout his battle wouldn’t have been possible without the research at Dana Farber, and the Pan Mass Challenge is the largest fundraiser for cancer research that Pop and so many others have received. My goal this year is to raise $6,000 - all of which will go directly to Dana Farber.

Thank you for your support,

-Matt