I am a proud supporter of the Pan-Mass Challenge because it is leading a charge to beat cancer. In fact, last year 100% of rider-raised revenue went directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure.

So, why am I choosing to ride 186 miles in two days?

I am really excited to take on thie PMC again. For this year's event, I'm excited to announce that I have joined The Biker's Dozen. Since 2004, The Biker's Dozen has raised more than $4.5 million which has been designated to support the research for two types of pediatric brain tumors: Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (DIPG) and Pediatric Low Grade Astrocytomas (PLGA) at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

What's different about 2024? This year I will be participating in the entire PMC weekend! I am starting in Wellesley and finishing in Bourne on Day 1. I will be spending the night camping out on the Maritime Academy's campus. On Day 2 I will depart from Bourne and finish in Provicetown, MA where there will be a massive turnout of finishers and supporters.

Let's rewind...Last year was my first ever PMC. It was truly one of the best weekends of my life. Seeing people from all over the world come to Boston to ride, volunteer, and cheer on the riders was truly inspiring and unforgettable.While riding almost 200 miles under 48 hours was an achievment in itself, I am most proud of my fundraising efforts as I was able to raise over $6,000 for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The positivity of the weekend is something that I will never forget and that I take with me every time I get on the bike.

Why I am riding in the 2024 PMC...The event itself equally as emotional as it is inspiring. First and foremost, I am riding as a dad. I am beyond grateful to have a beautiful, happy & healthy baby girl (Charlie) who is turning 2 shortly after the PMC, and my wife and I have another one (boy? girl? it's a surprise!) coming at the end of June. Watching Charlie grow up right before my eyes is surreal and the most amazing experience. At the same time, I know that not everyone is lucky enough to have a healthy child. I am more aware than ever of the families and children currently being treated at Dana Farber's Jimmy Fund Clinic, and I continue to ride the PMC and fundraise for them.

Second, I am riding as a husband. My wife works for Dana-Farber in their Division of Philanthropy, and I see firsthand everyday the passion she has for raising money for this incredible place. She has devoted all of her energy to leading various fundraising campaigns that support the research and treatment for patients and families at Dana-Farber. The work she does and her commitment to Dana-Farber is inspiring and admirable. I get to see the impact she has made through her work on the Corporate Partnerships team, and supporting her and her work is incredibly important to me.

And lastly, but not least, I am riding as as a son and a son-in-law. My dad, Robert, passed away unexpectedly in 2013. I was just going into my senior year of college at the time of his passing. My mother-in-law is a two time cancer survivor and was treated at Dana-Farber for non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I know better than most that life can change in an instant, and I know all too well the importance of living life to the fullest because of that. My goal is to take advantage of opportunities to do good, and raising money for cancer research is action I can take to help improve the lives of others affected by cancer.

I am incredibly excited to ride my 2nd PMC this summer and I am honored to wear the Biker's Dozen Jersey (Day1) and the PMC Jersey (Day 2) this year. I sincerely hope you are able to support my fundraising goal and join me in the ride to defeat cancer.

With all my thanks and appreciation,

Ross Esbrook