This year, I will be celebrating my SEVENTH ride in the 41st Annual Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) fundraiser. Traditionally, the PMC is an annual 192-mile bike-a-thon that crosses the Commonwealth of Massachusetts over the span of two days in an effort to raise money for life-saving cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). However - as we all know - COVID-19 has changed our way of life for the foreseeable future, and the PMC was not spared. As a result, this year's ride has been re-imagined... but it is NOT cancelled! So while I'm disappointed to say I won't be rolling into Provincetown on August 2nd, I am proud to say I will still be celebrating another 200 mile ride on August 1st and 2nd as I chart a new course along the New Hampshire coast line, into Maine and back home to Lexington, MA for my own independent, socially-distanced PMC ride.

I know that this year is a financial challenge for many - and that there is a lot of competition for your philanthropic generosity. However, I ask you to remember that cancer remains a silent enemy amidst the pandemic, and that it does not discriminate: We ALL know someone who has been affected by this difficult disease. Maybe it was you; maybe it was a parent; maybe it was your friend or neighbor; or maybe it was your child. For me, it has been too many: a number of dear friends; my daughter's patients; my sister-in-law; my mom. THEY are the reason I'm still committed to raising money for this cause. As we watch the country and the world ambitiously work toward a much-needed vaccine against the novel coronavirus, my determination to continue researching one against cancer remains strong.

This event historically raises more money for charity than any other single event in the country (over $63 million last year alone!) - and we can't let this year be any different. This past success is owed to the dedicated riders and to those who generously support them: This success is owed to people like YOU!

Every donation brings us closer by the mile. No matter what the amount, 100% of your donation goes to DFCI. Please click here or one of the blue buttons on the right or left side of this page to make your tax-deductible contribution now.

If you prefer to write a check, please make it out to the PMC, The Jimmy Fund or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and mail it to me directly at:

Peter Johnson
35 Hayes Lane
Lexington, MA 02420

If your employer has a matching gift program, ask your Human Resources department for a form, and follow the process for matches.

To all of you - stay well, be safe, and ride on. Thank you in advance for your support - both emotional and financial. Any amount you can contribute is so humbly appreciated.

With gratitude,

Peter