I am participating in the 2022 PMC as a first-time rider to support my friend, John Buchta, and his fight against cancer. John has a unique gastrointestinal cancer that is resistant to traditional chemotherapy and radiation. This cancer can be managed with a multitude of FDA approved targeted drug therapies, which first launched in 2003. These treatments are still relatively new which is why funding research in this field is so important. Our team of 20+ individuals, Buchta's Brigade, will allocate 50% of the money we raise directly to John's oncologist, Dr. George Demetri, and his team at Dana Farber. Dr. Demetri’s team researches drug therapies to treat sarcomas that are resistant to traditional medicines. The remaining 50% of proceeds raised by Buchta's Brigade will be contributed to the general Dana Farber pool.

Growing up in Massachusetts, I learned about PMC at an early age. Only after John asked me to ride did I realize the true scope of this event, which is the largest athletic fundraising event in the U.S. PMC is Dana Farber's single largest supporter and is 55% of the Jimmy Fund's revenue. Since 1980, PMC has raised $831 million (!!!) for Dana Farber. Further, PMC contributes 100% of every rider-raised dollar directly to the Jimmy Fund.

At first it seemed like an incredible challenge to ride 186 miles, but I know it will be much easier because I am riding with, and for, a friend.

Thank you for your support! It means the world to me and to everyone in Buchta's Brigade.

Here's John's full story: https://vimeo.com/585368767

Here's why our dollars will have a profound impact at Dana Farber: https://vimeo.com/653815368

Thank you,

Tim