Thirteen Lynnfieldians to cycle for Pan-Mass Challenge

Published in the July 18, 2018 edition

NEEDHAM — Thirteen riders from Lynnfield will cycle up to 192 miles in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) with the goal of topping last year’s record-breaking gift and raising $52 million for critical cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

During PMC weekend August 4 and 5, over 6,200 cyclists from more than 40 states and seven countries will gather in Massachusetts to participate in the PMC. Riders include everyone from seasoned triathletes to weekend warriors and range in age from 15 to 84. Many ride to honor a family member or friend lost to cancer or being treated for cancer, More than 850 riders and volunteers are cancer survivors or current patients themselves. They are considered living proof of the PMC mission.

Among the riders will be these Lynnfield residents: Peter Cash, Carol Corvino, Julianne DeLuca, Christopher Goguen, Luke Goodemote, Bill Leahy, Matthew Maggiore, John and Lauren Mitchell, Paul Nardone, Mike Neville, David Richman and Erika Young.

Designed to cater to all levels of cycling and fundraising ability, the PMC offers 12 different routes, varying in mileage and difficulty, that pass through 46 towns across the Commonwealth, with starting lines in Sturbridge, Wellesley and Bourne. Cyclists are required to raise between $600 and $8,000, depending on the chosen route, although the average cyclist raises more than $7,000, exemplifying the spirit of the PMC and its riders. Volunteers, spectators, donors and sponsors are also part of the camaraderie on ride weekend.

“After surpassing our goal and raising $51 million for Dana-Farber last year, we are excited to keep the momentum going as we approach our 39th PMC ride weekend,” said Billy Starr, founder and executive director of the PMC.

“We are continuously humbled by the dedication and generosity of our riders, volunteers, donors, sponsors and community members – it’s thanks to them that the PMC is able to make such an immense impact on the fight against cancer. We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable ride weekend and can’t wait to see you all out on the road,” added Starr.

The PMC donates 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to Dana-Farber through its fundraising arm, the Jimmy Fund. It is the institute’s largest single contributor, raising more than 53 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue. In 2017, the PMC gave a record gift of $51 million to Dana-Farber, bringing its 38-year contribution to a total of more than $598 million since its inception in 1980.

To make a financial contribution to a rider from Lynnfield or become a virtual rider, visit www.pmc.org, or call 1-800-WE-CYCLE. Connect with #PanMass2018 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn.