Yes, it’s that time of year again. This August 2nd and 3rd I will once again join thousands of other Pan-Mass Challenge bicyclists, riding across Massachusetts from Sturbridge to Provincetown to raise critical funds in the effort to end the devastating pain, suffering and loss that cancer wreaks. Over the 32 years that I have been participating in this event, we have learned of countless promising, innovative new therapies, witnessed incredible breakthroughs, and followed the relentless efforts of the talented researchers at Boston’s world-renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, whose work we directly support through the PMC. The successes and gains have been astounding. Indeed, this year I will be riding to celebrate my brother Steve’s recovery from lung cancer, to a large degree thanks to very early detection. But we all know that the work is far from complete. Cancer in all its hideous forms is seemingly all around us, impacting the lives of so many family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
The funds raised by the PMC riders and volunteers from you, our generous supporters, have been critical in helping advance the research. Last year alone we raised an astounding $75 million, and in doing so brought the event’s cumulative contribution since 1980 past the $1 billion mark!
In the words of Dr. Corey Cutler, an oncologist at Dana-Farber and an 11-year PMC rider:
“We know there is a direct link between riding, fundraising, and the advances in therapy. It's clear we can't do our research, we can't do our studies, we can't fund the laboratory experiments without fundraising and philanthropic dollars. The PMC is the single largest donor to the Dana-Farber. Without PMC money, we wouldn't be able to do half of what we've accomplished.”
Dr. Cutler’s statement has always been true. But today, as scientific research is facing diminished federal funding, the role of our grassroots fundraising is more critical than ever. You see, until now the funds we collected typically served to complement federal support for cancer research. As unrestricted funds, PMC-raised dollars often serve to fund early stage, proof of concept research on cutting edge, innovative new ideas and approaches. Once such exploratory research is able to demonstrate the potential for significant impact, federal funds then come into play, funding large scale-up studies and clinical trials.
With significant federal funding cuts already implemented and more threatened, the dollars we are able to raise as a philanthropic community are even more critical than ever, helping fill the emerging funding gap so that we do not lose momentum in the quest for treatment and cures. Time has always been of the essence as researchers work to develop and improve treatment protocols, reduce suffering, and increase survival rates for so many types of cancer. We absolutely cannot allow the momentum to be jeopardized.
So, if you are able, please consider supporting my participation in the 2025 PMC by donating again this year to this critical cause. Every donation – no matter how large or small - will help keep this important work moving forward at this very precarious moment.
As always, I encourage you to dedicate your donations in support and in memory of those in your lives affected by cancer. Email them to me at: eheller413@gmail.com. Team Hellers on Wheels will proudly carry them and their spirit with us throughout the ride.
As I’ve said every year since 1994: “There are simple cures for the aches and pains that come from bicycling 192 miles. With your support, the day will come when there will be cures for cancer in all its forms.”
As always with deep gratitude,
