My name is Richard Costa, and I am excited to announce I am riding in my 5th Pan Mass Challenge on August 3rd and 4th 2019 to try and raise money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. The Pan Mass Challenge is an annual bike-a-thon started in 1980. There are approximately 6500 cyclists ranging in age from 13-88 years old. They come from 36 states, and 8 countries. Nearly 300 are cancer survivors or current cancer patients themselves. There are 11 routes of varying mileage ranging from 25-190 miles. I am riding the full192 miles from Sturbridge to Provincetown in 2 days.

A minimum of $5,000 is required of every rider going this distance, and by myself I cannot do this; however with many of us we can overcome anything. On average it takes 40 sponsors per rider to reach his/her individual fund raising goals. If you want to help, and can afford to donate any denomination gets me that much closer to my minimum goal of $5,000.

Why am I pedaling a bicycle for nearly 200 miles is probably the most common question I get. Well every rider has a different reason to their why. My biggest reason this year is the passing of my Aunt Chrissy. She lost her courageous fight this past December after nearly 18 months. Christine went through tough surgeries, and many months of treatments. Never once did she ask why me? She was strong and loved. Chris was by far the most kind caring person anyone will ever know. She is missed by many, but especially the ones closest to her. I will forever miss her hugs.

We have all been affected by cancer in one way or another. Either a loved one, a close friend, or even themselves have stared down cancer. It seems as though you hear more about cancer today than you ever did years ago. Cancer never rests, and neither should we! Unfortunately cancer research is like gambling on a slot machine. You put money in hit the spin button and maybe you get a positive results and maybe you don't. Wouldn't it be nice if after you donate there has been a major breakthrough? You would have essentially contributed to just hitting the “jackpot” for all of society.

Please consider helping me reach my goal. Donations can be made by cash, check or online. My rider page is: http://www2.pmc.org/profile/RC0224 . Remember that the Pan Mass Challenge is a 501c3 non profit organization so all donations are 100% tax deductible. Checks may be made payable to the PMC, Jimmy Fund, DFCI, or any combination of the three. If you choose to sponsor us go online or please mail your check directly to me.

Richard Costa

Uxbridge, Ma 01569

Wouldn't you end this disease if you could?

Thank you for your time,

Richard Costa