With PMC weekend quickly approaching, I am honored to be riding on Team Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts. This will mark year three for Team PFFM and has seen our numbers almost triple since inception. Last year, Team PFFM and Local 718 had raised over $230,000 for Dana Farber's DirectConnect, which fast tracks treatments for firefighters and their families who receive a cancer diagnosis. The grim reality of occupational cancer in the fire service is staggering and Dr. Betsy O'Donnell's team from Dana Farber's DirectConnect is truly making a difference.

Over the last year we have seen too many brother and sister firefighters diagnosed with occupational cancer and that is why we are riding on August 2nd & 3rd. This may come as a shock to some, but training hasn't started quite yet. I know, I'm a moron. The ride itself is challenging, but not as bad as asking family and friends to donate. All funds raised will be going to Dana Farber's DirectConnect program and any amount would be greatly appreciated. Your donations are truly changing lives.

All MAPFRE insurance customers will receive a 5% discount on their policies if they donate $50 to the PMC. If you are donating to the PMC, we urge you to donate to Team Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and check if your employer matches any donation.

Thanks again,

Paul Ronco