There's a Lot Riding on This

Dear Friends,

Today I've committed to raising money for cancer research by riding in the 2020 Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC). Over the course of the first weekend in August, I will join many cyclists on the PMC ride, an annual bike-a-thon that raises money for research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) in Boston.

Giving Back: Team Kermit

Riding in the PMC is a way to channel physical, mental and emotional energy into something much greater than the athletic accomplishment of just riding your bike! PMC cyclist uses their strength to help those who cannot. With each mile pedaled, the PMC brings researchers one step closer to finding cures for the various types of cancer that affects millions of people each year.

PMC cyclists are a family, a unified force working toward a common goal. This summer, I'll be riding with my family: Team Kermit! We will be led by our devoted team leader and captain, Steve Branfman. The personal success achieved by riding in the PMC and raising money for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is consistently described as unbeatable. All the Team Kermit riders have agreed that the ride is the highlight of their summers. Many of the Kermit members have been riding the PMC for 5 - 25 consecutive years.

I ride in memory of the following:

Jared Branfman: Jarred was one of my favorite and most enthusiastic students I had the pleasure of teaching when I taught at Thayer Academy. Jared passed away in 2005 from a two-year fight from Spinal/Cranial cancer. Jared was 23 years old when he passed away.

Jody Nitenson: Jody was one of my closest cousins, a talented artist and such a beautiful and kind person. Jody died at the young age of 40. Jody’s story: Because of limited health insurance and income, Jody never received an MRI until it was too late. If Jody had had the proper health insurance, her tumor would have been caught much sooner. Walk-in clinics and hospital ER’s gave her Advil and sent her on her way.

Marshall Neilson: My colleague and friend. Marshall was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. After having a successful bone marrow transplant, there were complications. Marshall battled for months. Unfortunately, Marshall passed away from Grafts vs. Hosts disease; this is a disease where research is greatly needed to find a cure. Marshall was so loved by his family, friends, and colleagues. His humor, kindness and his amazing connections with students at The Park School will never be forgotten.

This is my 19th year at The Park School, where I teach physical education, coach cross country, track and advise sixth grade students. Park is an amazing place to work, my colleagues are wonderful, and they are so dedicated to excellence in education. Because of my background in strength and conditioning and outside adventures, my friends ask me, “Savage what is your next adventure? Mountain climbing, scuba diving with sharks ,windsurfing?” My reply is that I’m now dedicating my free time to cycling to raise money to help find medical cures for Cancer. Please go to: Donation Page: http://pmc.org/egifts/SS0356

Thank you,
Steve Savage

Your donation is tax-deductible and 100% will go to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 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:

Steve Savage
5 Inman Lane
Foxboro, MA 02035

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

To learn more about the PMC, please visit pmc.org.