Dear Friend,
On August 1st, I will be participating in the Pan-Mass Challenge-a two day bike ride spanning 192 miles, from Sturbridge to Provincetown. I am proud to be riding for such a worthy cause, and honored to be riding this year in memory of my uncle, Bill VonEuw. I am writing to ask for a small favor that in the end will help thousands of individuals. In order to participate in the event, I must raise $4,000. I would respectfully ask for a donation to this admirable cause.
Bill VonEuw grew up on Perham Street in West Roxbury. Later he moved to Reading, MA where he and his wife started a family. My uncle was the ultimate family man. Whether it was being a loving husband to his wife and father to his two daughters, or being an awesome uncle to his nieces and nephews, he loved his family and would do absolutely anything for them. To try and put into words the type of person my uncle was, and what he meant to everyone who knew him would not do him justice, especially in a one page letter. However, I will share one memory that has stuck with me to this day. I can remember being no more than six yrs old and racing my cousins in my grandparents' yard. Bill was the "referee" of the race, which stretched about 15 yards. Well�needless to say� I won the race and was crowned "scooter" by my uncle Bill. In his eyes, I was no longer Steve, I was Scooter! A name and memory I will never forget. I'm sure you have a story as well, or a special memory of Bill that has stayed with you over the years. My uncle Bill was 48 years old when he passed away after a long battle with colon cancer. His life was cut too short because of this deadly disease. It will be 10 years since his passing this May. I can think of no greater way to celebrate his life then to ride this year's Pan-Mass Challenge in honor and memory of a great person who meant so much to me, my uncle Bill.
The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge is the nation's original fundraising bike-a-thon and today raises more money than any other athletic fundraising event in the country. The PMC has contributed more than $200 million to lifesaving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute since its 1980 inception. Last year's $33 million gift from the PMC to the Jimmy Fund of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute represented 100% of every check and credit card donation. This year's goal is $34 million. Please help me help PMC reach this goal.
If you would like to make a donation, please make checks out to the Pan-Mass Challenge and send it to my address
Stephen McSherry
6 Beechcroft St. Apt 2
Brighton, MA 02135
Thank you for your support
Stephen McSherry
