On Aug. 3 and 4, more than 6,600 riders, including 39 riders from Charlestown, will pedal up to 192 miles in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) with the goal of raising $60 million for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Cyclists from 43 states and 12 countries will convene in Massachusetts to participate in the PMC, taking on one of 12 routes, which pass through 47 towns and range from 25 to 192 miles, designed to cater to all levels of cycling and fundraising ability. Riders range in age from 13 to 88 and include everyone from seasoned triathletes to weekend warriors. Many ride to honor a family member or friend who has battled cancer, while more than 900 riders and volunteers are cancer survivors or current patients themselves—considered Living Proof® of the progress made in cancer research and treatment.
Participants are required to raise between $600 and $8,500, depending on their chosen route, though the average cyclist raises more than $8,825, which exemplifies the spirit of the PMC and has helped the organization continue to increase its gift year after year, despite declining trends in the industry. Volunteers, spectators, donors and sponsors are also part of the camaraderie on ride weekend, all working together to make a difference in the fight against cancer.
“As we prepare for our milestone 40th PMC, we are humbled by the continued support from our growing community,” said Billy Starr, founder and executive director of the PMC. “It is thanks to the unwavering passion and commitment of our riders, volunteers, donors and sponsors that the PMC has been able to make such a tangible impact on advancements in cancer research and treatment since 1980. We can’t wait to see everyone on the road come August for what we hope will be a safe and enjoyable ride!”
Good luck to the following participants from Charlestown: Rachael Barry, Justin Bourke, Jason Brownhill, Sue Burke, Dana Burke, Chris Canton, Leslie Checkman, Joseph Coote, Rob Cronin, Bill Doherty, Kelsey Doherty, Debbie Gale Evans, Kevin Finnegan, Lindsay Flood, Kelly Flynn, Julia Gaynor, Dana Haggett, Maria Hanlon, Jen Hansen, John Harding, Hugh Harriss, Aaron Honig, Edward Kennedy, Christopher Loeffler, Nicholas Marinaro, Lauren Mazzone, Gavin McIver, Roslyn McLean, Dave Micalizzi, Christy Mihos, Graham Nelson, Rebecca Norton, Harry Ostrander, Margaret Reilly, Elizabeth Richardson, Lance Ryley, Kathleen Tucker, Edward Wasniewski, and Alexandra Wohler.