What a difference a year makes…
My 2024 Pan-Mass Challenge was remarkable. I enjoyed my first “remote” PMC ride in Austin, while my supporters contributed $7,300 for lifesaving research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. For more details, see my ride report or highlight video.
Shortly after last year’s ride, I suffered a mild stroke, followed this year by surgery to implant a metal plug to close a hole between two chambers of my heart. Challenging times, to say the least. But if you thought these medical setbacks would stop me from raising funds for cancer research, you haven’t been paying attention.
At the same time, Donald Trump proposed slashing the National Institutes of Health budget by 44%. Under Trump’s plan, Dana-Farber will lose $200 million of funding for critical science and services. That is both irresponsible and absolutely unacceptable.
I am in complete agreement with PMC founder Billy Starr, who told riders:
When federal support is under attack, patients pay the price. That is why what we do matters more than ever. We are the largest single contributor to Dana-Farber, and when others pump the brakes, the PMC community needs to accelerate.
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 funding the cures for cancer.
That is why on August 2-3 I will be riding remotely again, for my 19th PMC and counting on your support. This year’s ride plan will be flexible, to accommodate my ongoing recovery, but I promise to do my absolute best to “earn” your donations.
I will continue to ride as a member of Team Kermit, but the funds I raise this year will be split, with 25% going directly to pediatric neurological cancer research. The remaining 75% will be unrestricted, so that Dana-Farber can choose how best to respond to the funding threat imposed by the Trump administration.
I believe that funding cancer research is one of the most important humanitarian causes of our lifetimes. I hope you agree.
Please support my ride, and thank you so much!
My previous PMC ride reports
Austin: 2024
Pittsburgh: 2022 2021 2020
Boston: 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001