As many of you know, Kathleen and I are longtime supporters of and riders in the Pan-Mass Challenge. The PMC is a two day 163 mile bike-a-thon from Wellesley (outside Boston) to the tip of Cape Cod in Provincetown. This weekend will be my 16th ride and Kathleen’s 14th.

The Pan Mass mission is to beat cancer and 100% of rider raised donations go directly to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support their incredible work. Like many of you, our families and friends have been impacted by cancer. Their courage and conviction inspire us every mile of our journey - and it is for them and others impacted by this insidious disease that we ride. The PMC goal this year is to raise $66,000,000 for cancer research. In its 40+ year history, the PMC has raised more than $1Billion - the largest athletic fundraiser in the country.

When I first began riding in the Pan Mass it was because I believed in the PMC mission. But the support of survivors, particularly the children was what made me commit to being a life long PMC rider. Seeing the power of what we were doing on their lives had a major impact on me. Each year we have been particularly touched friends and family members who have been impacted by cancer. This past year my sister lost her son Hunter to cancer. His courage and determination were an inspiration for all of us - and we will think of Hunter every mile of our ride this year.

I appreciate that many of you have been very generous in your support of PMC riders and of Kathleen and me in our rides.

Best,

Tom