The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is an annual bike-a-thon that raises more money for cancer research and patient care at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) than any other philanthropic fundraiser in the country. Since its inception in 1980, the PMC has raised more than $1billion, including an impressive $75million in 2024 alone. I'll be riding my 7th PMC on August 2nd and 3rd alongside over 6,000 dedicated cyclists fundraising for DFCI in Boston. This challenge holds a special meaning for me, and I'm extremely proud to be a part of it.

What sets this amazing fundraiser apart from others is that 100% of every rider raised dollar goes to DFCI. They provide leading edge cancer treatments and have contributed to over half of all FDA approved cancer drugs over the past 5 years. This years PMC goal is an ambitious $76 million dollars.

This year I signed up for the two day 190 mile route from Sturbridge Ma to Provincetown and will again be riding with 60+ members of Team Erica's Entourage that raised just under one million dollars last year. Our funds will go towards promising research in immunotherapy for neuro oncology, pancreatic cancer, and other soft tissue cancers. A cancer survivor myself, I'm riding for others like me and also in memory of family and friends whose lives were sadly taken by cancer and for those still fighting the fight.

I'm also riding in memory of Vince Covington, a friend and owner of Beaufort Blinds and Shutter Co. who recently passed away at 63 years old after a fierce battle with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

My goal this year is again $20,000 and when I reach it, I will contribute an additional $5,000 Dollars as I did last year. Remember, 100% of every rider raised dollar goes directly to Dana-Farbers leading-edge cancer treatments. These are challenging times to be seek donations, but I firmly believe now is not the time to let up. Potential cut backs to the National Institute of Health could significantly impact Dana-Farbers progress towards beating cancer. Imagine if it were you or your family, being told that funding for your clinical trial or treatment was now frozen, or worse, cut. I hope you can join the fight against cancer this year, donations are tax deductible and donations of any amount are welcome and can make a difference.

I'm very grateful for your continuous support over the years,

Tom